Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Arsenic in Drinking, Irrigation Water, and Rice from Meydavood in Khoozestan Province

Water pollution to heavy metals and entering the biochemical cycle can lead to environmental degradation. Arsenic in drinking water is one of the elements whose high concentrations result in adverse regulatory consequences for the health of the body. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the health risk of arsenic in drinking water and irrigation water and rice in Meidwood area in Khuzestan province.
Samples were taken from a water well used for drinking water, agriculture, as well as in particular cultivating rice. After preparations, the samples were analyzed for arsenic By using ICP-MS.
Findings: The results showed the mean concentration of arsenic in the drinking water, the water used for irrigation and in the rice of Meydavoud area, to be respectively 8, 12/75 mg/l and 0/079 mg/l. Chronic daily intake (CDI) of arsenic through water and rice, for children, women and men were calculated, and showed resulting in a CDI is lower than the standards (FAO). But THQ values in 3 groups is greater than 1, suggest that people are exposed to significant health risks.
In general, the total hazard quotient (>1) for residents, especially for children, due to the drinking of water and consumption of rice falls within unsafe limits. Considering the effects that the flow variations and the length of time water stays in the well have on the concentration of arsenic it is important to monitor water levels and discharge rates which affect the concentration of arsenic in the water.