Health Risk Assessment of Aluminum and Chromium(VI) Exposure in Groundwater Near Landfills

Abstract

The degradation of groundwater quality near landfill sites due to potential pollutant exposure requires quantitative evaluation to determine actual health risks to surrounding communities. This study aimed to analyze aluminum and chromium(VI) concentrations and characterize environmental health risk associated with groundwater exposure near the landfill. Water samples were collected from five residential wells using purposive sampling. Health risk assessment was conducted by calculating the Average Daily Dose, Hazard Index (HI) for non-carcinogenic effects, and Total Cancer Risk (TCR) for carcinogenic effects via ingestion and dermal contact. Results showed aluminum concentrations ranged from 0.012 to 0.14 mg/L, complying with the WHO drinking water quality standards, whereas chromium(VI) concentrations remained below the limit of detection (<0.0099 mg/L). Risk characterization revealed all HI values were below 1, ranging from 0.0003 to 0.0094, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic risk. Conversely, the estimated TCR, calculated by substituting the detection limit for chromium(VI), exceeded the acceptable risk range (4.0×10?? for adults and 9.5×10?? for children). However, these results represent a highly conservative theoretical worst-case scenario. Children were identified as a vulnerable group with the highest risk due to their higher water intake per unit of body weight. In conclusion, current exposure to well water does not indicate potential non-carcinogenic risk, and the presence of these metals may be attributed to natural processes or activities around the landfill. These findings highlight the importance of periodic groundwater quality monitoring and further hydrogeological studies to strengthen pollutant source identification.