Groundwater pollution and human health risk based on Monte Carlo simulation in a typical mining area in Northern Anhui Province, China

Abstract The main objective of this study was to evaluate eight kinds trace element pollutants in groundwater from a typical coal mine area, and carry out corresponding health risk assessment for the local populace. To do this, 34 shallow (SG) samples 18 mid-layer (MG) were collected Sulin mining area. minimize uncertainties assessment, paper relied on Monte Carlo simulations sensitivity analysis. results revealed that Sr Mn contents exceeded their WHO (Guidelines drinking water quality, 4th edn. Geneva, 2011) guidelines Chinese standards (GB/T14848–2017), while other analyzed elements remain below those threshold values. calculated hazard quotient index values adults ingestion exposure SG MG well limit 1. Probabilistic further show total cancer value above 1 × 10 −6 is 0% 29.39% MG. Sensitivity analysis identified Cr as most relevant variables affecting probabilistic non-carcinogenic carcinogenic model, respectively.