Health Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Groundwater Resources of Birjand Flood Plain Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model

Background & objectives: In general, contamination of drinking water sources by heavy metals can poses a serious threat to the living organism, especially human. Therefore, this research examines the concentration of some heavy metals in groundwater resources and their impact on consumer health. Methods: In this study, samples were collected from 17 wells in Birjand flood plain, in autumn of 2010. The water samples were fixed with Nitric acid 65%, transferred to the laboratory, and the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Finally, the risk for human health was calculated according to a model proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Results: Except for Cr and Pb, the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb were lower than standard levels of Iran and WHO. The results of the health risk of studied heavy metals related to the studied water samples of wells, were 31×10-5 person for cancerous diseases and 19×10-6 person for non-cancerous diseases. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that among of the studied metals, the concentrations of Cr and Pb in underground water were not in safe level. Therefore, continuous monitoring studies are needed to determine the incidence and prevalence rates of the diseases related to the metals, in the Birjand flood plain, especially for Cr and Pb.