Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment of Metals and Nitrogen Compounds in Drinking Water from an Urban Area Near a Former Non-Ferrous Ore Smelter.

The quality and potential health risk of drinking waters in Medias, a town near a former non-ferrous ore smelter in Romania, was assessed using the drinking water quality index (DWQI), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ). A total of 29 water samples collected from 26 wells and 3 springs used as drinking water sources, located in near proximity to agricultural, industrial or household contamination sources, were characterized. The obtained results indicated high NO 2 − , NO 3 − , Cd and Mn levels that exceeded the corresponding maximum allowable concentrations. According to the DWQI values, only 10% of water sources have acceptable quality, while 21% are threatened, and 69% have poor- quality. The health risk assessment suggested a high risk for NO 3 − for more than 72% of the drinking waters HQ NO3 − > 1.0 but no risk for metals and NO 2 − (HQ metals < 1.0; HQ NO2 − < 1.0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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