Assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks due to water contamination in a loess distribution area, northeastern China

Surface water and groundwater samples were collected in a loss distribution area, northeastern China, to assess groundwater quality and health risks in a typical loess irrigation area and to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of groundwater resources. The following results were obtained. (1) The total non-carcinogenic risk values of 14 surface water samples were all lower than 1, which indicates that these surface water samples will not pose non-carcinogenic risk. Drinking water intake is the main exposure pathway of non-carcinogenic risk. (2) Among the 15 phreatic groundwater wells monitored, the total non-carcinogen levels at 6 points exceeded safe levels for children, which indicates that the local groundwater is harmful to children’s health. The order of contaminants contributing to this risk is NO₃-N > Mn > Fe > NH₄-N > NO₂-N. (3) Among the 29 points of confined groundwater monitoring wells, 2 points showed total non-carcinogenic risk values exceeding safe levels for children, which indicates that the local groundwater is unsafe to children health. The order of contaminants contributing to non-carcinogenic risk is NO₃-N > Mn > Fe > NH₄-N > NO₂-N.