Assessment of human health risk related with arsenic and other metal contamination in water of İznik lake (Turkey)

Abstract

This comprehensive study examines the environmental dynamics of the İznik Lake which is the fifth largest natural lake of our country, investigating temporal and spatial trends in heavy metal pollution and its effects on human health. Lake water samples were taken from various areas of the lake (19 different sampling points), including the central area of the lake, surrounding areas, points where streams empty into the lake, and near the shoreline. The average concentrations (μg/L) of heavy metals were as follows: Al (13.66) > Fe (11.37) > As (6.15) > Mn (2.54) > Zn (2.46) > Pb (0.61) > Cu (0.42) > Cr (0.36) > Ni (0.22). Al, Fe and As are the metals found in the highest concentrations in lake waters. According to index results, water quality index (WQI) value and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated suitable for use of waters as drinking water. All of the samples are in the “low pollution” class in accordance with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (Cdegree) values. In addition, HTL indicated “low toxicity” class. The results of the health risk assessments were that consumption of the lake water could lead to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health problems in terms of As. The results indicate that İznik Lake is contaminated with heavy metals and is not suitable for drinking water or agricultural use. In addition, this study revealed that metals measured at low concentrations may have adverse effects on human health. This study for İznik Lake is one of the first in the field and can be a reference for future similar studies for the protection and safe use of the lake and control of pollutants around the lake.