ASSESSMENT OF SPRING AND WELL WATERS QUALITY INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS

The contamination of water sources intended for human consumption with heavy metals is a global concern due to their toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. In recent decades, research into heavy metal concentrations in major sources of drinking water, such as groundwater, spring water, and surface water, has increased in Romania, although most studies have been sporadic and limited in scope. In this study, 294 water samples were collected from 14 springs and wells in two regions of Romania. The quality of these waters, their level of contamination, and the associated health risks were then analysed. This research aims to evaluate the carcinogenic health risks primarily associated with chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in adults and children, depending on the ingestion pathway of these heavy metals in spring and well waters, or through dermal exposure when they are used for sanitation and hygiene purposes. The assessment of the risk to human health associated with consuming water contaminated with heavy metals indicated that, among the 14 sampling points from which water intended for human consumption was collected, some showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding the limits set by national legislation. Therefore, long-term consumption of this water may pose an increased risk to human health. This research found that exposure to chromium, nickel, and cadmium through ingesting water posed a carcinogenic health risk to both children and adults. Children were found to be more susceptible than adults. Regarding the potential carcinogenic risk associated with the aforementioned metals, the risk was highest in spring water, followed by well water.