Mohammadpour et al. 2022 — PTEs in drinking water of Shiraz, Iran
This cross-sectional study determined concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in tap drinking water from Shiraz, Iran, and assessed carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults using hazard quotients, hazard index, and Monte Carlo simulation. Mean Pb was 0.36 µg/L (winter) and 0.50 µg/L (summer); mean Hg was 0.32 µg/L (winter) and 0.20 µg/L (summer); all metals remained below WHO and EPA standards. The health risk assessment found all PTEs at acceptable non-carcinogenic levels (HQ < 1, HI < 1); carcinogenic risk from Pb was low (< 10⁻⁶). Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis identified mercury concentration and water intake rate as the most critical parameters for non-carcinogenic risk.
Key numbers
- Mean Pb: 0.36 µg/L (winter), 0.50 µg/L (summer)
- Mean Hg: 0.32 µg/L (winter), 0.20 µg/L (summer)
- Mean Mn: 2.28 µg/L (winter), 0.55 µg/L (summer)
- Mean Fe: 8.72 µg/L (winter), 10.36 µg/L (summer)
- All values below WHO and EPA drinking water standards
- Hazard quotient (HQ) < 1 for all PTEs in children and adults
- Carcinogenic risk from Pb: < 10⁻⁶ (negligible)
- n = 90 (45 winter, 45 summer); analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent 7500)
Methods (brief)
Acidified tap water samples filtered (Whatman Grade 2) and analyzed by ICP-MS per APHA Standard Methods 2005. Total metals reported (no speciation). Degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), hazard quotient, hazard index, cancer risk, and Monte Carlo simulation performed. Basis: dissolved metal concentrations in µg/L.
Implications
Certification: Establishes baseline Pb and Hg concentrations in Iranian municipal tap water below regulatory limits; useful as geographic reference for supply-chain water sourcing. Courses: Demonstrates standard risk assessment methodology (HQ, HI, Monte Carlo) for drinking water metals. App: Geographic data point for drinking water Pb/Hg exposure in Iran.