Non-Carcinogenic Hazard Maps of Heavy Metal Contamination in Shallow Groundwater for Adult and Aging Populations at an Agricultural Area in Northeastern Thailand

The Hua-ruea sub-district has long been a major agricultural area of Thailand. Shallow groundwater from farm wells is a main source of drinking water for most locals. This study assessed the human health hazards associated with consuming groundwater contaminated with heavy metals among adults age 15–60 years and the aging, greater than 60 years. Twelve groundwater wells were sampled in the Hua-ruea agricultural area. The results showed adults’ average groundwater consumption was high at 3.6 ± 2.1 L/day/person and for the aging group was 2.6 ± 1.0 L/day/person. The hazard quotients for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded 1 among both the adult and aging populations. Residents of the Hua-ruea subdistrict may be at risk of developing diseases from consumption of water contaminated with these four metals at seven of the 12 wells. These wells are located in intensely cultivated chili fields. All non-carcinogenic hazards of all heavy metals were higher in adults than for the aging population due to a higher intake rate of water by the former. One well had the highest hazard index, 91.8 and 66.2 for adults and the aging, respectively. This study suggested that local people living in intensively agricultural areas should take precautions before drinking contaminated groundwater.