HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF WELL WATER IN BANTAENG INDUSTRIAL AREA

Abstract

Introduction: Groundwater wells provide the main supply of clean water in most areas, but they remain at risk of contamination from heavy metals, both naturally occurring and man-made. The current research was conducted to evaluate public health hazards resulting from ingestion of heavy metals through drinking water from wells, and suggest possible risk management strategies. Methods: Cross-sectional research was carried out in July 2025 in a community adjacent to the Bantaeng Industrial Area with twelve wells. Water samples were analyzed for nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and chromium (Cr). The health risk was assessed using Risk Quotient (RQ) by Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) methodology. Results and Discussion: The maximum concentration values were found to be 0.0194 mg/L for Ni, 0.5638 mg/L for Fe, and 0.0063 mg/L for Cr. The concentration of nickel (Ni) surpassed the quality criteria, whereas, in the case of iron (Fe), it was forecasted that it would surpass the threshold value within thirty years of exposure. Chromium (Cr) posed a health hazard in Dug Well 1 (RQ > 1). Conclusion: Well water in the study area has the potential to pose non-carcinogenic health risks, particularly due to relatively high levels of Ni and Fe, and RQ values exceeding safe thresholds at several points. Continued monitoring and risk-based intervention are recommended.

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