Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Tap Water: Implications for Human Health in Egypt

Behary, Mokhtar Samy; Daadeer, Doaa Atif; El-Matary, Fatma Adel

doi:10.21608/ajbas.2025.385140.1254

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Tap Water: Implications for Human Health in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Port said University

² Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University

³ pollution lap. - national institute of oceanography and fisheries

10.21608/ajbas.2025.385140.1254

Abstract

Egypt is undergoing rapid development, accompanied by a continuous increase in per capita tap water consumption. Consequently, the presence of various contaminants in drinking water has raised significant public health concerns. Among these contaminants, heavy metals are particularly alarming due to their toxicity and potential for long-term health effects. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals in tap water sources and evaluate the associated health risks. A total of 27 tap water samples were collected from six different districts. The concentrations of 24 heavy metals and trace elements, including mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), were quantitatively determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed that certain heavy metals exceeded the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). To evaluate potential health risks, both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic assessments were conducted using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, including the Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI).

The findings indicated notable carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to some heavy metals present in the tap water samples, highlighting the urgent need for continuous monitoring and effective water quality management strategies.

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