Human Health Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Drinking Water Based on Triangular Fuzzy Numbers Approach in Yinchuan City, Northwest China

Access to safe drinking water is one of the fundamental human rights and an important component of healthy life. In this paper, the triangular fuzzy numbers approach has been used for recognizing uncertainties in the estimation of health risks proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Yinchuan city, northwest China. The levels of As, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, F, NO3-N, and NH4-N in drinking water were within the permissible limits except for Fe. The results showed that the health risks were primarily attributed by Cr, As, and F in drinking water. When the confidence level was 0.8, the total carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks values were less than the acceptable risk levels (10−4 and 1.0) set by the USEPA, respectively. The health risk of drinking water in Yinchuan city is as follows: Nanjiao water source > Beijiao water source > Dongjiao water source. Furthermore, the total noncarcinogenic risks were more sensitive with respect to different confidence levels. The spatial distribution of As and F levels in drinking water sources is urgently needed to be ascertained in drinking water, especially for Nanjiao water source. The health risk assessment model based on the triangular fuzzy numbers approach is effective to quantify uncertainty in risks with less complexity. The findings in this paper will help managers minimize the potential health risks and provide a new insight for solving uncertainties in water management.