Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Elements in Drinking Water Consumed in a Brazilian City Impacted by Mining Activities

This study evaluates the non-carcinogenic risk associated with chemical elements in drinking water in Jequié, Brazil, where mining activities occur. However, intensive mineral exploration, especially of metals such as vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), has raised concerns about potential contamination. Water samples were collected for this research, and chemical analyses were conducted to quantify inorganic contaminants. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, uranium, vanadium, and zinc were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The following maximum concentrations (μg L−1) were obtained: As (0.36), Cd (0.76), Cr (5.5), Cu (10.6), Hg (1.7), Mn (1.3), Ni (6.7), Pb (10.1), U (0.22), V (1.9), and Zn (175). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, such as Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Cancer Risk (CR), were evaluated. In one of the 30 samples analyzed, the Pb concentration exceeded the regulatory limits established by Brazilian legislation. The results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and effective management of water quality in areas impacted by mining to protect local community health and ensure the sustainable use of water resources. The study concludes that, in general, no non-carcinogenic risks were identified for adults or children.