Probabilistic Risk of Nitrates to Human Health Via Drinking Water: A Case Study of Water Supply for Dandan Station and its Quarters in Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the nitrate ion concentration in drinking water and determine the potential health risks associated with nitrate contamination for humans. Methods: A total of 100 water samples were collected from ten sites, including the Dandan water supply station and adjacent residential neighborhoods on the right side of Mosul city between September 2021 and February 2022. Results: The results of the study revealed that the concentration of nitrate ions ranged between (0.95-3.614 mg/L). Based on the study’s results, all of the analyzed water samples fell within the international drinking water quality standards set by the World Health Organization. The concentrations of nitrate ions corresponded to low values of both chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ or QI), which ranged from 0.05162 to 0.18164 mg/kg/day and 0.03226 to 0.11357, respectively. Consequently, the hazard index (HI) for this study remained within safe limits for drinking water. The study also revealed that infants and individuals within the age group of 21 and older were the most susceptible to potential nitrate-related health risks, while the age group of 16 to 18 exhibited the lowest susceptibility to such risks. Conclusion: The study recommends the use of examined water for drinking due to its safe and healthy nitrate ion concentration. It further suggests the continuation of periodic assessments of drinking water supply stations to ensure ongoing consumer safety, as no potential health risks, including cancerous and non-cancerous risks, were identified.