Arsenic In Groundwater And Associated Human Health Risk In Murshidabad: A Deterministic Dose-Response Assessment

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in many parts of eastern India, yet arsenic contamination poses a serious threat to human health. This study evaluates non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with arsenic-contaminated groundwater in Murshidabad district using a deterministic dose–response approach. Well-specific arsenic concentration data were used to estimate average daily dose (ADD) under two exposure scenarios: drinking only and combined drinking and cooking. Risk characterization was performed using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic effects and lifetime Cancer Risk (CR) for carcinogenic effects following USEPA guidelines. The results indicate widespread exceedance of safe limits across the district. The mean HQ was 12.73 for drinking-only exposure and increased to 24.61 under combined exposure, substantially exceeding the acceptable threshold of unity. The estimated lifetime cancer risk for combined exposure reached approximately 55.73 cases per 10,000 inhabitants, far above regulatory limits. Spatial variation was observed across blocks, with Jalangi, Raninagar-II, and Domkal exhibiting particularly high exposure levels. Comparative analysis suggests that risk levels in Murshidabad are higher than many reported global cases. The findings highlight the severity of arsenic contamination in the region and emphasize the need for targeted mitigation strategies, regular monitoring, and improved access to safe drinking water to reduce long-term health risks.