Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks related to arsenic exposure and other metal contamination in the water of Afyon Volcanites (Türkiye)

This study investigates the heavy metal contamination of water in volcanic rocks and its effects on human health, with a particular focus on arsenic. A total of 28 water samples were collected from wells and springs on volcanic rocks between June and July 2024. Ca⁺², HCO₃^−, and SO₄⁻² were dominant ions in sampled waters. The average concentrations of heavy metals (μg/L) included Al: 39.9, As: 9.4, B: 29.3, Fe: 108.8, and Mn: 42.2. The water quality index (WQI) values indicated “very good to poor” class, heavy metal pollution index results revealed that 28 % of the samples were not suitable for drinking, while the heavy metal evaluation index results indicated that most of the samples were in “low pollution” class. The average cancer risk of children via ingestion was considered harmful (9.44 × 10⁻⁴); dermal contact was 8.02 × 10⁻⁶, indicating a negligible risk. For adults, the average cancer risk from ingestion was considered harmful (4.05 × 10⁻⁴), while the dermal contact risk indicated an acceptable belt (5.15 × 10⁻⁶). Furthermore, the average hazard quotients via oral ingestion were 2.09 for children and 0.89 for adults. The average hazard quotients for dermal absorption were 0.02 and 0.01 for children and adults, respectively. Water ingestion in the study area may cause carcinogenic health risks for adults and children. An examination of the dermal effect of arsenic revealed that the waters did not pose a health risk. The source of the relatively high arsenic was water-rock interaction with volcanic rocks and possible geothermal water mixing. Further research is needed to take necessary precautions to reduce groundwater pollution, protect local people's health, and transfer water to future generations.