Drinking water elements constituent profiles and health risk assessment in Wuxi, China

Water elements pollution has attracted public attention globally. Wuxi is located in East China, and its water source, Taihu Lake, has been severely polluted since 2007. Studies of elemental pollution profiles have yet to be conducted in this area. In this study, 56 water samples were collected in 2018, and 33 elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the levels of 33 elements ranged from 1.35 x 10(-3) mu g/L(Tl) to 101 mg/L(Ca), with Sr, Al, Fe, B, Ti, Ba, and Zn levels being relatively higher. A comprehensive literature review showed spatial distribution of conspicuous elements in drinking water worldwide. Meanwhile, Monte Carlo simulations were applied to evaluate exposure health risks. The total hazard index(HI) for 14 non-carcinogens and the average incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of As and Pb exposure through drinking water were found acceptable. Sensitivity analyses suggested that Sb and As in the drinking water represent an increasing risk to human health. The results of this study provide key data on local metal pollution characteristics, help identify potential risk factors, and contribute to the development of effective environmental management policies for Taihu Lake.