Health risk assessment of heavy metals and quality of tap water in and around Davao Oriental State University, Philippines
Abstract
The study assessed the health risk of heavy metals and tap water quality in five stations in and around Davao Oriental State University. The main objectives were to determine the physico-chemical and biological characteristics, which included the pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) heavy metal, and the presence of coliform. The results for pH and TDS had mean values of 7.34 and 551.6 mg L-1, respectively, while the temperature ranged from 26.4 oC to 28.3 oC. Furthermore, Cd and Pb concentrations determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy were below 0.003 mg L-1 and 0.01 mg L-1, respectively. As evaluated using a hydrogen sulfide kit, the absence of coliform was also noted. Overall, the quality of tap water for this study was within the allowable limit set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) except for TDS. Moreover, the values for health risk assessment indices (Chronic Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient, and Hazard Index) for Cd and Pb did not exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Hence, both metals showed no potential contamination and health risks. However, the carcinogenic risk for lead (6.47E-04) slightly exceeded the limit. The results of the study were preliminary by nature, and further monitoring and evaluation must be implemented.
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