Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Surface Waters of Mogan Lake (Ankara, Türkiye) for Recreational and Residential Users

Mogan Lake is an important recreational center for the capital city Ankara, not only because of its ecological value but also because of the various recreational activities it offers. In this study, the levels of certain heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg, Zn, Fe) were determined in surface waters at three selected stations in Mogan Lake for individuals (adults and children) who are exposed to heavy metals detected in the lake water and use it for both residential and recreational purposes, health risks via ingestion and dermal contact were estimated as follows: a) Non-carcinogenic health risks (Hazard Quotient – HQ, Hazard Index – HI, and Total Hazard Index - THI), and b) Carcinogenic health risks (Total Cancer Risk – TCR = CRingestion + CRdermal) and Cancer Risk Index (CR). According to the research findings; a) Exposure to heavy metals does not pose non-carcinogenic health risks (THI < 1), b) The hazard index values for children (HIingestion and HIdermal) are higher than those for adults, c) Based on the TCR values for As, exposure to this metal through ingestion and dermal absorption does not pose a health risk for recreational users (TCR < 1×10⁻⁴), while for residents, although it does not constitute a significant cancer risk, it is not entirely negligible (1.13×10⁻⁶ – 1.43×10⁻⁶). In this context, monitoring especially arsenic (As) levels in the lake water should be considered an essential component of lake management, both to protect the health of residents and to ensure the sustainability of the lake’s recreational potential.