Potentially toxic elements in drinking water and associated health risk assessment in Abbottabad city, northern Pakistan

Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are contaminants with perilous impacts on environment due to their perseverance, persistence and toxicity. This study aspires to investigate the PTE in drinking water and associated health risk assessment. For this purpose, samples were gathered from various drinking water sources of Abbottabad city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The PTE concentrations were assayed using atomic absorption spectrometer and observed to be in order of iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > cobalt (Co) > cadmium (Cd) > zinc (Zn) > nickel (Ni) > copper (Cu) > lead (Pb). Among observed PTE concentrations, the admissible limits established by world health organization were only crossed by Ni, Fe, Pb, Co and Cd. The PTE were evaluated for the potential health risk assessment and source apportionment. The average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) values were calculated based on PTE concentrations in drinking water, the values of HQ were < 1 for all PTE except Cd. Higher HQ values of PTE could cause hazardous health problems in the study area. Statistical analysis revealed that PTE and other water quality contaminants of the study area were attributed by both geogenic and anthropogenic sources.