exploring health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in groundwater from industrial zones in samut prakan province, thailand

Groundwater in industrial zones is often contaminated with heavy metals, posing significant health risks. this study investigates the contamination of arsenic, nickel, lead, and zinc in groundwater from the bangkok, phra pradaeng, nakhon luang, and nonthaburi aquifers and assesses the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in groundwater within samut prakan province. groundwater samples were collected from observation wells (n=16) and analyzed for dissolved heavy metals using usepa 200.7 and 6010d standard methods. health risks were assessed for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects using usepa models. the results showed that arsenic levels exceeded usepa and who standards in the nakhon luang and nonthaburi aquifers. nickel and lead levels surpassed the permissible limits of usepa, who, and noaa in all aquifers. exposure assessments indicated that children had higher levels of heavy metals, with ingestion as the main route of exposure. non-carcinogenic health risks from arsenic, nickel, lead, and zinc through ingestion and dermal contact were found to be significant for both children and adults (hi > 1) in all groundwater aquifers. the carcinogenic health risk assessment revealed unacceptable cancer risks from the ingestion of arsenic, nickel, and lead, and dermal exposure to arsenic and nickel (tcr > 10^-4) in all groundwater aquifers. these findings indicate the need for close monitoring and management of industrial activities to prevent further heavy metal contamination in groundwater, thereby reducing health risks for individuals relying on this resource.