Human health risk assessment of trace elements in shallow groundwater of the Linhuan coal-mining district,Northern Anhui Province,China

Enrichment of trace elements in groundwater poses considerable risks to human health. The concentrations of seven trace elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in 34 samples of shallow groundwater from the study area were estimated. We assessed the concentrations of the trace elements and health risks with statistical analysis and the US Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) model. The results showed that the mean concentrations of trace elements decreased as follows: Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd > Pb. Apart from Mn at one sampling point, the concentrations of all trace elements were below the guideline values of the World Health Organization for drinking water. Correlation and cluster analysis indicated that the trace elements fell into groups, with Ni and Cu in one group, and Mn, Zn, and Cd in another, which suggested that the trace elements grouped together had similar sources. The total non-carcinogenic risk values ranged from 8.52 × 10^?4 to 1.27 × 10^?1. The total carcinogenic risk caused by Cr and Cd averaged 1.62 × 10^?6, which exceeded the acceptable level of 1 × 10^?6 recommended by the USEPA. The carcinogenic risk of Cr accounted for 75.93% of R_total.     

Human Health Risk Assessment for Environmental Exposure to Metals in the Catalan Stretch of the Ebro River,Spain

The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impact and the human health risks associated with metals exposure in the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River, Spain. The concentrations of the following elements were determined in soils and tap water: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were separately assessed for adults and children. Relatively low metal concentrations in tap water were found. It indicates that water intake is not a relevant source of metals for human health impact in the area under evaluation. In turn, the levels of metals in soils were similar or less than those found in a number of recent worldwide surveys. The presence of industrial facilities located upstream the Ebro River, including a chloralkali plant, should not mean additional non-carcinogenic risks for the population living in the area. The results of the current study allow us to establish that the concentrations of most carcinogenic elements (with the exception of As) should not mean potential health risks for the local population. However, because of the relatively high levels of geological origin found for As, a continued monitoring of these elements would be desirable.     

Spatial distribution,contamination levels,sources, and potential health risk assessment of trace elements in street dusts of Urumqi city,NW China

Abstract

A total of 83 dust samples were collected from the streets of Urumqi city in NW China and analyzed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn elements. The spatial distribution, contamination levels, main sources, and potential health risks of these trace elements were determined based on geostatistical analysis, geo-accumulation index, multivariate analysis, and the health risk assessment model introduced by the USEPA, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceed the corresponding background values determined in Xinjiang soils by factors of 2.0, 1.35, 1.38, 8.24, 1.28, 2.09, and 3.26, respectively. The spatial distribution patterns of the nine trace elements in street dust were found to be substantially heterogeneous, and the contamination level decreased in the following order: Hg?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Cd?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?As?>?Ni?>?Mn. Based on the identified concentrations, the collected dust samples were found to be moderately polluted by Hg, and not polluted by As, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni. The remaining elements, Cd, Pb, and Zn lie on the borderline between non-pollution and moderate pollution levels. Furthermore, it was shown that Mn and Zn in street dusts originate from both, natural and anthropogenic sources, while As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb are mainly produced by anthropogenic sources. Overall, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of the analyzed elements, instigated primarily by oral ingestion of street dusts, were found to be within the acceptable range for both, children and adults. As and Cr are the main non-carcinogenic elements, whereas Cr is the major carcinogenic element among the investigated dust-bound metals in the study area.     

Concentrations of Selected Trace Elements in Marine Bivalves and the Dietary Risk to Residents of Dalian City,Northern China

To assess the potential health risks associated with selected trace elements due to consumption of bivalves, a screening-level risk assessment was conducted through consideration of internationally accepted dietary guidelines and the calculation of hazard quotients. Seventeen edible bivalve species were collected from a local market in Dalian City, China. The ranges obtained for the trace elements analyzed in mg/kg dry weight were as follows: Cu (1.8–133), Zn (56–693), Mn (5.7–150), Se (0.2–3.8), Ni (0.56–7.67), Cd (0.04–10.3), Cr (0.48–2.23), Pb (0.01–1.63), Hg (0.07–0.35), and As (0.22–4.00). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of bivalves was 15.0–255.1 times lower than the RfD guidelines for all the trace elements studied. Further, the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) of the trace elements analyzed were well less than 1. Therefore, there were no potential human health risks to Dalian City consumers of marine bivalves.     

Spatial Distribution,Potential Sources,and Risk Assessment of Trace Metals of Groundwater in the North China Plain

Diversion of water for irrigation from the Yellow River has impacted groundwater quality in the North China Plain (NCP). In this study, by using geochemical and isotope methods, groundwater origin, the spatial distribution of trace metals, pollution sources, and health risks were evaluated. Groundwater is recharged from surface water. The primary pollution components in surface water were B, Al, Se, Zn, Mn, and Ni—with concentrations exceeding standards by 100%, 84.4%, 64.4%, 31.1%, 20%, and 2.2%, respectively. In groundwater, exceeding standard rates for those elements were 100%, 100%, 61%, 25.7%, 39%, and 4.9%, respectively. The spatial distribution of polluted metals in surface water and groundwater was correlated, indicating an irrigation-influenced spatial distribution of trace metals in the groundwater. The trace metals were introduced via anthropogenic and geogenic activities. Zinc poses the most serious non-carcinogenic hazard for local residents. The ingestion pathway is much more likely to lead to zinc toxicity than the dermal absorption pathway. The carcinogenic Cd and Pb could result in an increased cancer risk for individuals exposed to the water. Non-carcinogenic hazard and carcinogenic risk attributable to groundwater is serious in the regions traversed by the rivers in the study area.     

Hydrogeochemical evolution and risk assessment of human health in a riverbank filtration site,northeastern China

Intensive agriculture and industrial activities have resulted in contamination in rivers and groundwater quality, which threatens human health. In this study, we used comprehensive physiochemical indicators to assess the quality of groundwater used for drinking and irrigation in addition to the potential risks to local residents in a riverbank filtration site. Human health risks through drinking water intake and dermal contact were also estimated. Moreover, we analyzed the spatial distribution regularities of health risk values in a riverbank filtration site. The assessment results revealed that NH₄–N, NO₂–N, F^?, Mn, and As are main contaminants affecting groundwater quality and that 62% of the total samples is suitable for a variety of purposes. All groundwater in the study area is suitable for irrigation based on the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Na percentage (%Na), and U.S. Salinity Laboratory (USSL) and Wilcox diagrams. The health risk assessment suggests that residents in the study area are at high health risk, and women and children face higher risk than men in both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The spatial distribution regularities of health risk values suggest that the human health risk value of each groundwater sample is different in the study area and has certain regularity. Therefore, effective measurements must be taken to address the groundwater contamination and to reduce the human health risks.     

Human Health Risk of Metals in Drinking-Water Source Areas from a Forest Zone after Long-Term Excessive Deforestation

The concentrations of 10 metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, Zn) were determined in drinking water in Khingan, China, a forest zone after long-term excessive deforestation. These metals’ concentrations in water exceeded background values of metals in some other regions of the world, indicating that there were other metal sources contributing to such high levels of metals in Khingan. Arsenic was the only metal whose concentration exceeded the maximum levels allowed in drinking water. Principal component analysis showed that As, Cd, Cu, and Se originated from anthropogenic sources and exhibited significantly high concentrations in north Khingan, while Fe and Mn derived from natural formation and showed significantly high concentrations in central Khingan. Health risks from metals were evaluated by a model recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ingestion was the predominant pathway of exposure to metals in water for local residents. Arsenic was also the only metal causing both noncarcinogenic hazard and carcinogenic risk in Khingan. The high risks occurred mainly in north Khingan and are associated with coal combustion. This study indicates that long-term excessive deforestation may increase As concentration considerably in drinking water and then pose health risks to local residents.     

Health Risks of Metals in Soil,Water, and Major Food Crops in Hamedan Province,Iran

Food, drinking water, soil, and air are the main routes of exposure to trace metals, thus the assessment of the risks posed to humans by these elements is important. Wheat, potatoes, and maize are very important parts of the Iranian diet. The objectives of this study were to estimate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Se, As, and Ni to adults and children via soil, water, and major food crops consumed in Hamedan Province, northwest Iran, using the total non-cancer hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk assessment estimates. Total non-cancer hazard of Ni and Hg, were greater than 1, and total cancer risk of As and Pb was greater than 1 × 10^?6. Food consumption was identified as the major route of human exposure to metals, and consuming foodstuff threatens the health of the studied population. In Hamedan Province, consumption of wheat is the main source of intake of metals from foodstuff for adults, and in children, the soil ingestion route is also important.     

Heavy metals' contamination in sediments of Wadi Al-Aqiq water reservoir dam at Al-Baha region,KSA: Their identification and assessment

Sediments are the ultimate sump for heavy metal pollutants. The main purpose was to investigate the ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the sediments of Wadi Al-Aqiq water reservoir. The metals detected were arranged in decreasing order Fe > Mn > Cr > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Pb. Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong positive association and significant linear relation between various pairs of metals. Different evaluation indices used indicated that source of contamination from lithogenic sources and sediments can be classified as low polluted quality. A comparison of the concentrations of metals with International Sediment Quality Guidelines criteria showed that only Cu and Ni concentrations above the ERL and below the ERM guideline values suggest possible adverse effects. On comparing with US Environmental Protection Agency prepared sediment quality criteria it indicated that Pb and Zn have concentrations below the non-polluted criteria, Fe, Mn, and Ni lies in the range of moderately polluted criteria, and Co and Cu are within the heavily polluted criteria. Non-carcinogenic risk quantification indicated health concern from ingestion route and no health effects for dermal exposure. On considering additive effect, the dermal exposure may cause health harm. The carcinogenic risk assessment for lead and chromium showed an acceptable risk to human health.     

Impacts of Yellow River Irrigation Practices on Trace Metals in Surface Water: A Case Study of the Henan-Liaocheng Irrigation Area,China

Large-scale irrigation practices may disturb local hydrologic cycles and distribute trace metals throughout the environment. Reported here is the spatial pattern of trace metals and associated health risks in an agricultural area of China, which has a long history of irrigation with water from the Yellow River. Multivariate statistical analyses and a risk-assessment model were employed to interpret the environmental data. It indicated that Zn, Se, B, Ba, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, V, Al, Li, Sr, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb were all detected in the surface waters. Compared to drinking water guidelines, the primary trace metal pollution components (Al, Fe, Se, B, Mn, and Zn) exceeded drinking water standards by 40.7%, 14.8%, 29.6%, 25.9%, 11.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. Except for one site that exhibited anomalous metal concentrations, landscape features of trace metals identified a uniform distribution of trace metals for all sample sites. The calculated mean value of Hazard Quotients (HQs) exceeded the USEPA's recommendations by a factor of 2.9 times the threshold value. Primary sources of trace metals were associated with natural deposition, industrial and agrochemical processes, and a mixed source of both geogenic and anthropogenic origins.     

Assessment of water quality and health risks for toxic trace elements in urban Phewa and remote Gosainkunda lakes,Nepal

The concentration of 13 metals (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) and their associated health risk assessment was performed for two Himalayan lakes, urban Phewa and remote Gosainkunda, from Nepal. Water Quality Index (WQI), Metal Index (MI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk were calculated in order to evaluate the water quality of these lakes. Correlation analysis revealed that Mn and Fe were derived from natural geological weathering processes and Pb, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd might have originated from anthropogenic sources. The results revealed that WQI of the remote lake fell into excellent water quality and urban lake fell into poor water quality, which is also supported by the MI calculation. Moreover, the HQ of Mn in urban lake showed values greater than unity suggesting its health risk to the local inhabitants. The cancer index values indicated “high” risk due to Cr, whereas Cd possesses “very low” cancer risk on local population residing nearby areas. This study provides the useful database and suggests for the regular assessment and policy formulation for safeguarding the natural water bodies in the region.     

Evaluation of health risks associated with trace metal exposure in water from the Barekese reservoir in Kumasi,Ghana

Abstract

Reservoirs play a pertinent role in providing potable water to humans and aquatic animals. Exposure to trace metal pollution in water may threaten aquatic ecosystem and human health. In this study, total and dissolved trace metals pollution and health risk they posed to humans in water sampled from the Barekese reservoir in Kumasi were investigated. Levels of Hg, As, Ni, and Cr in the water exceeded the WHO and USEPA stipulated limits. Arsenic and Cd recorded the highest non-carcinogenic health risk to humans. Hazard quotients (HQs) ?1 were recorded for an adult (HQ = 9.05) and a child (HQ = 21.11) via oral exposure to dissolved As in water samples. High HQ values of 40.10 and 17.20 for a child and an adult respectively were recorded through oral exposure for As. HQ of 1.41 was estimated for a child’s risk via dermal exposure to total Cd in water from the reservoir. Cancer risks of 1.63?×?10^?5 and 2.33?×?10^?6 were respectively recorded for a child and an adult oral exposure to dissolved As, suggesting possible adverse effects. The study concludes that anthropogenic activities within the Barekese catchment are deteriorating its water quality.     

A Probabilistic Assessment of Household Exposures to MTBE from Drinking Water

The oxygenate methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been added to reformulated gasoline in the U.S. to meet national ambient air quality standards. Although MTBE has provided significant health benefits in terms of reduced criteria and toxic air pollutants, detections of MTBE in some groundwater and drinking water sources have raised concerns about potential environmental contamination and human exposures. In this paper, we examine the frequency and concentration of MTBE detections in drinking water sources in California from 1995 to 1999, and provide a preliminary analysis of the distribution of household exposures to MTBE from water-related activities. Using published data on the toxicity and possible cancer hazard posed by MTBE, we estimate the likely cancer and non-cancer risks for the general population in California from past and potential future MTBE exposures. More highly exposed subgroups were also addressed. Our findings indicate that less than 2% of all sampled drinking water sources in California had detectable levels of MTBE in 1999, with average MTBE drinking water concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 4.9?ppb for this year. Both the detection rate for MTBE and average MTBE concentrations have remained relatively stable since 1995, despite increased sampling of drinking water sources in California. The probabilistic exposure analysis suggests that drinking water exposures to MTBE are unlikely to pose a significant health risk for the general population or more highly exposed individuals in California.     

Evaluation of three different types of nitrogen,heavy metals,and endocrine disruptors in water and sediments of Wenyu River

Concentrations of NO₃^?(nitrate), NO₂^?(nitrite), NH₄⁺(ammonia nitrogen), Mn, Fe, Ba, As, Se, Cd, Pb, Cr⁶⁺, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), estriol (E3), bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) had been estimated in water and sediments of Wenyu River. Using single factor, ecological risk assessment, geoaccumulation index, human health risk assessment and multivariate statistical analysis, we described the current situation of river contamination, human health risks of different age groups and possible sources of pollutants as well as their transformation characteristics. The results showed that main contaminants were NH₄⁺, NO₃^?, NO₂^?, EE2 and E3, E1 in water, while sediments have been slightly polluted by heavy metals, whose order of polluting degree is Zn>Cr⁶⁺>Cd>Cu. Residents in the study area are exposed to the risk, and EE2 made the greatest contribution to it. E1, As, and NO_3^- also affect negatively on the health of the residents, and NO_2^- only do harm to juveniles. Human activities and industrial production are main sources of contaminants, also they can transform into each other between water and sediments. Heavy metal ions can be easily precipitated by Ferric oxide or hydroxide, E2 and EE2 are also transformed into E3 in natural environment.     

Pollution,source, and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in surface sediments of Lake Aktaş, NE Turkey

This study applies ecological indices to determine the anthropogenic-based metal enrichment and potential ecological and ecotoxicological risks posed by each metal in the sediments of Lake Akta?, NE Turkey. Sediment samples were collected from nine stations (St1–St9) within the Turkish boundary of Lake Akta? and the heavy metal, total organic carbon %, CaCO₃%, chlorophyll degradation products (chlorophyll-α), total sulfur %, and total phosphate % contents in the sediment samples were determined. Enrichment factor (EF), pollution load and potential ecological risk (PER) indices were calculated to shed light on the ecological effects of heavy metals. The metal content was ranked in descending order of Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Cd > Hg. The EF values ranged 0.87–1.0 for Cu, 1.04–1.14 for Pb, 1–1.08 for Zn, 0.88–0.95 for Ni, 0.99–1.24 for Mn, 0.89–0.93 for Fe, 0.82–1.01 for As, 0.96–1.19 for Cd, 0.94–1.0 for Cr, and 1.42–1.90 for Hg. Minimal contamination was found for Hg. Pollution load, PER, and toxic risk indices indicated no ecological risk currently. However, considering the PER index for metals individually, a moderate potential risk was detected for Hg. The data obtained from multivariate statistical analyses indicate that Hg and Mn originate from the atmosphere, while other elements have lithogenic sources.     

Leaching Behavior and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Landfill of Electrolytic Manganese Residue in Western Hunan,China

We analyzed the leaching behavior and chemical speciation of heavy metals in a landfill of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR). The results showed that most of Pb, Cr, As, Cu, and Zn were associated with F4 (residual fraction) and Mn and Co were mainly present in F1 (exchangeable and weak acid soluble fraction). In order to evaluate potential risks of heavy metals to the landfill, modified potential ecological risk index (MPER), potential ecological risk index (PER), index of geo-accumulation (I_geo) assessment, and risk assessment code (RAC) were employed. Ranking order for potential risk based on RAC assessment is Mn > Co > Zn > Cu > Cr = As = Pb. Results from I_geo assessment indicates that Mn poses a potential for high risk to human health and the ecosystem. MPER, which integrates the characteristics of PER and RAC, shows that the potential risks of heavy metals are in the order of As > Cu > Mn > Co > Pb > Cr > Zn. The analysis indicates that Mn, Co, As, and Cu within EMR pose a potential risk when this material is placed in landfills and that these metals should be given particular attention when managing the land disposal of EMR.     

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of trace metal contamination in the musculature of the trahira fish (Hoplias malabaricus) from two neotropical rivers in southeastern Brazil

BackgroundFish are an important source of nutrition for humans. Artisanal fishing plays a fundamental role in Brazil fish production. In Brazil, the unrestrained increase, diffusion, and little importance for environmental causes of other economic activities, such as the agricultural industry, has caused irreparable damage, leading to the contamination of water bodies. Among the countless pollutants that reach water bodies, trace metals are extremely problematic. Here, we evaluated the bioaccumulation and health risk of trace metal contamination in the musculature of the trahira fish (Hoplias malabaricus), collected from two rivers in southeastern Brazil.MethodsDuring the period from May 2017 to November 2019, 90 fish were collected, 45 from each river. River water samples were also taken during the same collection periods. From fish, muscle tissue samples were taken, and together with river water samples, analyzed for the recovery of trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb) through the technique of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsIn general, fish as well as the waters of the Jacaré-Guaçú River had higher concentrations of metals. The elements Al, Cr and Cd stood out from the others analyzed metals for having a hazard index (HQ) above 1 (Al), for being up to 10 times above the concentrations allowed by Brazilian legislation (Cr) and for having a high bioconcentration factor (Cd), indicating a biomagnification process through the food chain.ConclusionIn general, trace metal concentrations in the waters and fish of the Jacaré‐Guaçú were higher than in the Jacaré-Pepira, which shows that the Jacaré‐Guaçú is the one that suffers more anthropogenic action between the two rivers. In addition, some elements such as Al, Cr and Cd, due to its high concentrations, should receive some attention as they can pose risks to the health of fish, which can jeopardize the survival of their populations, and especially to humans who use these animals as a food source.     

Distribution and Contamination Risk Assessment of Dissolved Trace Metals in Surface Waters in the Yellow River Delta

This study investigated the dissolved trace metal contamination levels of Zn, Sr, B, Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, Li, V, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Se, and Pb in 23 surface waters of the Yellow River Delta (YRD) in China. Coefficients of variation with 66–260% reflected large spatial variations of concentrations of metals. Compared to drinking water guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the primary trace metal pollution components (Al, B, V, and Zn) were above drinking water standard levels by 82.6%, 47.8%, 52.2%, and 52.2%, respectively. Preliminary risk assessments were determined via the Hazard Quotient (HQ) to evaluate the human health risk of these metals. HQ_ingestion of V indicated potential deleterious health effects for residents. Hierarchical cluster results revealed that clusters 1, 2, and 3 were primarily affected by pollution from industrial and domestic activities, natural and agriculture activities, and oil fields, respectively. Principal component analysis results indicated Fe, Mn, Al, and Ba were controlled by natural sources, whereas anthropogenic activities led to high pollution levels of Al, B, V, Zn, and Sr.     

Pollution Assessment and Potential Sources of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils around Four Pb/Zn Mines of Shaoguan City,China

A total of 455 agricultural soil samples from four nonferrous mines/smelting sites in Shaoguan City, China, were investigated for concentrations of 10 heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The mean concentrations of the metals were 72.4, 5.16, 13.3, 54.8, 84.5, 1.52, 425, 28.2, 529, and 722 mg kg^?1, respectively. The values for As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn were more than 8 and 1.5 times higher than their background values in this region and the limit values of Grade II soil quality standard in China, respectively. Estimated ecological risks based on contamination factors and potential ecological risk factors were also high or very high for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. Multivariate analysis (Pearson's correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis) strongly implied three distinct groups; i.e., As/Cu/Hg/Zn, Co/Cr/Mn/Ni, and Cd/Pb. Local anomalies for As, Cu, Hg, and Zn by a probably anthropogenic source (identified as mining activity), Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni by natural contribution, and a mixed source for Cd and Pb, were identified. This is one of the few studies with a focus on potential sources of heavy metals in agricultural topsoil around mining/smelting sites, providing evidence for establishing priorities in the reduction of ecological risks posed by heavy metals in Southern China and elsewhere.     

Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Surface Water from Freshwater Source Lakes,Pakistan

This study investigated the concentrations of selected metals (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in freshwater source lakes in Pakistan and assessed the preliminary health risks associated with them. Water samples were collected from Khanpur and Simly Lakes and analyzed for the metals using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Major contributions were noted for Ca, K, Mg, and K; however, the measured levels of Cd, Co, Cr, and Pb were many times higher than the permissible national/international guideline values. The risk characterization revealed that hazard quotient (HQ_ing) and hazard index (HI_ing) values exceeded the acceptable limit unity, indicating non-carcinogenic risk to the recipients via oral intake of contaminated water. The carcinogenic risk (CR_ing) via ingestion route for Cd, Cr, and Pb was found much greater than the acceptable limit (10^–6). Overall, Cd, Co, Cr, and Pb were the major contributors to potential adverse health risk to the inhabitants. Multivariate analysis demonstrated anthropogenic intrusions of the metals in both lakes. The study clearly indicated that there was gross contamination of water in both lakes, so special attention should be paid to manage the pollution sources of metals.