Assessment of arsenic contamination in drinking water sources and its effects on human health in rural regions: a study in the Malistan district, Ghazni province of Afghanistan

Arsenic in drinking water, even in trace levels, can cause cancer, skin conditions, heart disease, and developmental abnormalities in children. The Malistan District in Ghazni Province of Afghanistan heavily relies on groundwater. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of arsenic, iron, and nitrate in drinking water sources and identify any potential health hazards. Seventy-three water samples, including wells, springs, and surface water, were collected and analyzed for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, NO₃, Fe, and arsenic levels. Descriptive statistical analysis categorized the data by water source type, comparing results to World Health Organization (WHO) and Afghanistan National Standard Authority (ANSA) guidelines. Arsenic contamination was identified in six wells and four springs, ranging from 5 to 20 µg/L, with iron concentrations up to 4.5 mg/L. Nitrate concentrations, up to 40 mg/L, were observed in most villages. EC and TDS showed a high correlation (R =  + 0.998), while a moderate correlation existed between arsenic and iron (R =  + 0.6205). Rabat village reported 23 cancer deaths from 2000 to 2023, with stomach cancer accounting for about 48% in the 60–80 age group. Health risk assessments revealed hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding 1 for all samples, indicating potential noncancerous effects, and carcinogenic risk (CR) values greater than 0.0001, suggesting a potential risk of various cancers for children and adults. Urgent measures are needed to address arsenic contamination and associated health risks in the study area. The study suggests several key recommendations, including utilizing alternative water sources, employing arsenic treatment technology, implementing public awareness campaigns, instituting consistent water quality monitoring, advancing healthcare initiatives, and fostering community involvement.