a.meshkinian

Groundwater is a major source of drinking water in Zahedan city; however, its quality is affected by high human activities and leads to the increased level of nitrate. This study was conducted to evaluate the nitrate concentration in water resources compared to the standards and also evaluating its Non-Carcinogenic Risk (Hazard Quotient: HQ) in Zahedan city.

In this study, 170 samples from urban water distribution and 179 samples from rural water distribution were collected. Nitrate concentration in samples were measured by spectrophotometer and health risk assessment of existing nitrate was estimated by model of US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization.

Maximum, minimum and average of nitrate concentration in urban areas were found to be 236.7, 4.7 and 40/87± 3/81, respectively; and in rural areas those were 211, 5.3 and 31/89±3/15 mg/l, respectively. The Hazard Quotient was higher than one for 44% of children, 14% of women and 8% of men in urban areas and 55% of children, 22% of women and 18% of men in rural areas.

The results of this study showed that children are at higher Non-Cancer Risk for water than adults. Therefore, controlling human activities, improving sewage collection systems and enhancing water treatment methods can be very effective in nitrate intake through drinking water and promotion of health, especially for children.