HUMAN RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY DUE TO EXPOSURE TO POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS: A CASE STUDY FOR HEAVY METALS IN SOIL

Abstract

The paper present the assessing the health risk potential by exposing to heavy metals traces (Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd) in the soil adjacent to the synergistic sources of pollution: Jilț lignite quarry, Turceni power plant and Ceplea slag and ash deposit. Samples were prepared and analyzed using the GFAAS analytical technique. The average concentrations in soil samples (mg.Kg-1) for Pb (43.71) and Ni (64, 14) exceed the normal value, and the soil index (Cn) on the four cardinal directions, show values supraunitare, that indicates a high level of pollution. Based on the average concentrations determined in soil, other parameters used for dose exposure evaluation the individual risk for heavy metals can be calculate, based on the USEPA model. Individual risk order: Pb (10-7); Ni (10-6); Cd (10-6), compared to the reference value according to WHO (10-6), means a cancer case in over one million people exposed.

Keywords

• health risk assessment;
• soil pollution
• heavy metals
• individual risk exposure