Assessment of Arsenic Contamination in Spring Water and Its Public Health Implications

Abstract

Arsenic contamination in drinking water poses a significant public health risk, particularly for rural populations dependent on untreated sources. This study assessed arsenic concentrations in spring water sources across three agroecological zones (Dega highland, Woina Dega midland, and Kola lowland) in Jamma District, Ethiopia. Fifteen (15) water samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results showed spatial variability, with mean arsenic concentrations of 3.3 µg/L in Dega, 8.7 µg/L in Woina Dega, and 9.9 µg/L in Kola, respectively. While highland springs were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 10 µg/L, midland and lowland samples showed elevated levels, with one site exceeding the limit (12.4 µg/L). Health risk assessment using Chronic Daily Intake and Hazard Quotient methods indicated moderate non-carcinogenic risks (HQ 0.16–0.69) in the affected zones, though all values remained below the critical threshold (HQ < 1). The findings highlight geogenic arsenic contamination linked to hydrogeological conditions, emphasizing the need for localized monitoring and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable rural communities’ dependent on untreated spring water. This research provides critical baseline data for managing arsenic exposure and safeguarding public health in similar agroecological settings.