Contamination of Natural Water and Health Risk Assessment in Western Himalayan Region, India.

Present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate riverine water quality in Western Himalayan region of India and assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks. Water samples collected from 12 different sampling locations were analyzed for 21 physicochemical and biological parameters including heavy metals using standard procedures. Mean values of TDS, turbidity, Ca, K, BOD, and COD were found to be higher than the levels specified by WHO for drinking water. Most of analyzed parameters had statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation among them. Water quality and heavy metal pollution indices of samples ranged from 22.84 to 235.69 and 22.30 to 235.92, respectively. Except for Cd and Zn, concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu, and Fe were found to be higher than permissible limits. Hazard quotient for oral and dermal exposures and overall hazard indices for heavy metals were < 1, signifying negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, carcinogenic risk due to exposure to Cr among adults and children was 3.25 × 10⁻⁴ and 4.05 × 10⁻⁴, respectively, i.e., > 1 per 10,000 inhabitants indicating a high carcinogenic risk. For Pb, it was 1.38 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.72 × 10⁻⁵ for adults and children, respectively, indicating a medium risk. This study highlights the deterioration of water quality in the Western Himalayan region of India and emphasizes the importance of implementing strict enforcement and remedial measures to protect human and environmental health. Such measures are crucial to prevent further degradation of water quality and to restore the wholesomeness of these valuable resources for the benefit of current and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]