Study of the Trace Element Composition of Drinking Water in Almaty City and Human Health Risk Assessment

This research investigates the elemental composition of 78 drinking water samples collected during the summer, autumn, and winter of 2023 in different districts of Almaty city. Seasonal average concentrations and standard deviations were calculated for a range of chemical elements, including arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), uranium (U), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), across three distinct datasets. The sites of sampling represent various categories of drinking water sources. The quality of drinking water was assessed by comparing the obtained data with current national, international, and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Drinking water contaminant indices for the heavy metal groups were calculated and the water quality compliance with the hygienic criteria adopted in the Republic of Kazakhstan was determined. With the exception of two sampling points, the levels of non-carcinogenic risk remained below the acceptable threshold. The predominant pathway for exposure for both adults and children was identified as the oral ingestion of hazardous elements. Carcinogenic risks linked to Ni, Pb, and Cr presence in the drinking water of Almaty were identified, with risk values at the majority of sampling sites categorically classified within the “high risk” designation. No substantial differences in carcinogenic risk levels were detected between adults and children. These results underscore the necessity for enhanced water purification methodologies and ongoing surveillance to protect public health.