Assessing Probabilistic Health Risks Due to Ingestion of Fluoride and Nitrate Contaminated Water: A Study in Gaya, Bihar
摘要
It is crucial to know about the contamination state of groundwater and the potential damage to public health posed by nitrate NO3− and fluoride (F–). In order to determine the non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children living in the Bodhgaya locale in the Gaya district, Bihar, a probabilistic risk assessment study was conducted. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for the locals. Analysis shows that approximately 32% and 26% of groundwater samples have surpassed the acceptable limit for fluoride and nitrate, respectively. For the Hazard Index (HI) approximately 68% of samples exceeded the acceptable level for children. Based on a probabilistic risk assessment study, children are most at risk for non-carcinogenic health outcomes, with adults following closely after. Children are more likely to be at risk for health problems due to low body weight and continuous exposure to water polluted with nitrates and fluoride. However, in children, a lower body weight and underdeveloped organs may be factors that put them at a higher risk compared to adults.