Comprehensive approach integrating water quality index and toxic element analysis for environmental and health risk assessment enhanced by simulation techniques

• DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02182-1
• Publication Date: 2024-08-31T09:02:16Z
• Authors: Mohamed Hamdy Eid; Mahmoud Awad; Essam A. Mohamed; Tamer Nassar; Mostafa R. Abukhadra; Ahmed M. El-Sherb...; Attila Kovács; Péter Szűcs
• Keywords: Original Paper; Drinking Water; Risk Assessment; 01 natural sciences; Water Quality; Metals, Heavy; Humans; Egypt; Computer Simulation; Monte Carlo Method; Groundwater; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract Due to water shortages and the potential impact of Ethiopia’s new dam on Nile River, Egypt is seeking resources. This study assesses drinking quality associated risks from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Quaternary aquifer (QA) Beni-Suef, Egypt. Using a comprehensive approach, including PHREEQC geochemical modeling, ionic ratios, multivariate statistical analyses, integrated weight index (WQI), evaluated sources ion contamination mixing with QA. Various indices, such as Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), ecological Risk (RI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), (HI), were used assess health risks. Monte Carlo simulations provided probabilistic assessments non-carcinogenic for adults children. GIS tools map risk identifying most deteriorated locations sustainable management. The hydrochemical analysis revealed facies Na–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO 3 , mixed types, influenced by carbonate dissolution, exchange, silicate weathering. Contamination sources, particularly north south, linked agricultural activities, irrigation return flow, municipal waste, evaporation. WQI indicated that 10.14% samples extremely poor, 21.7% 26% medium, 42% good excellent. PTE varied, HPI values indicating central area 53.6% collected (HPI < 30), but south high > 51). Ecological below threshold 100% (RI confirming safety regarding PTEs. In comparison, hazard (HI) through oral/ingestion, exhibited HI ranging 0.012 2.16, while children showed higher values, 0.045 8.25. However, oral/ingestion exceeded safe limits (HI oral 1), posing significant exposure manganese (HQ El-Wasta El-Fashn, necessitating further treatment