The Human Health Risk Assessment and Countermeasures Study of Groundwater Quality

Abstract Background：Groundwater serves as the drinking water source, which chemical components directly affect human health. Different regions own their groundwater hydro-chemical characteristics based on various geological, hydro-geological conditions, human activities. From the perspective of human health, it is necessary to select groundwater quality health risk assessment （GQHR） factors combined with hydro-chemical characteristics of different regions.Methods：In this paper, taking Tongzhou of Beijing,China as the study area, according to the groundwater hydro-chemical characteristics, NO3-, NO2-, NH4+ and F- were extracted as assessment factors to evaluate the GQHR. Based on GQHR results, the formation and concentration characteristics of health risk factors and the prominent controlling role of influencing risk distribution were explored from natural and human factors. Furthermore, the targeted measures to prevent the increase of groundwater health risk were put forward.Results：Assessment factors: NO3-, NO2- and NH4+ are derived by human factors, such as sewage irrigation, fertilization, and F- stems from irrigation of geogenic high fluoride groundwater and fertilizer use. Still, their distribution is affected by natural factors (geology, geomorphology, and climate). The GQHR follows the order: children > adult females > adult males. The low and medium risk regions are located in upper groundwater, which are mainly controlled by natural factors (groundwater depth, aquifer medium, hydraulic conductivity coefficient, etc.) The measures to prevent the increase of groundwater health risk are to control the pollution sources and reduce the change of groundwater hydrodynamic conditions. The high-risk regions are located in eastern part of the study area, which are affected by both natural and human factors. The preventative measures are to reduce pollution caused by human factors and scientific groundwater resource exploitation and management. Conclusions：In this study, corresponding preventative and control measures were proposed for health risks caused by different dominant control effects. Meanwhile, the research results provide a scientific basis for the safety of groundwater supply and environmental exposure in this area. The research ideas and methods can be used as a reference for similar studies.