Assessment of human health risk induced by 7 metals exposure through drinking water in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China

Heavy metal water pollution refers to the abnormal concentration of metal elements and their compounds in water with a relative density of >4.5, which causes the water quality to decline or deteriorate. To assess the presence of 7 metals in drinking water in a city in Xinjiang and the health risks to the human body caused by drinking the water and to provide a scientific basis for health risk management for drinking water. In 2021, 114 monitoring points were set up in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, and 228 water samples were collected in the dry and in the wet seasons to monitor water quality. Using the Standards for drinking water quality (GB 5749-2006), the concentrations of 7 metals were measured, and a method recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was used to assess health risks. A total of 228 water samples were collected and measured, and 227 met the standard, for a compliance rate of 99.56%. Except for Mn, the compliance rates for the other 6 metals were 100%. Based on noncarcinogenic health risk, the order of the 7 metals was Al > Fe > Gu > Mn > Hg > Zn > Pb, and the hazard index was 3.33 × 10-7 < 1. The total noncarcinogenic health risk of 7 metals was <1, that is, within the acceptable range. Al has the highest noncarcinogenic health risk, followed by Fe.