Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater Contaminated by Oil Pollutants Based on Numerical Modeling.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Hydrogeology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dispersed groundwater sources are vital drinking water supplies.
• Service stations pose risks of soil and groundwater contamination.
• Accurate risk assessment is crucial for remediation and protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the temporal and spatial extent of groundwater pollution hazards to human health from oil depots.
• To provide theoretical support for protecting groundwater as a drinking water source.
• To aid decision-making for contaminated soil and groundwater remediation.

Main Methods:

• Coupling numerical modeling with health risk assessment.
• Collection and analysis of soil and groundwater samples for 20 pollutants.
• Gray correlation analysis to determine pollutant impact and spread.

Main Results:

• Organic contaminants showed maximum values at the oil depot location.
• Pollution impact order: organic pollutants > heavy metals > inorganic pollutants.
• Predicted expansion of non-carcinogenic health risks from 25,462 m² to 39,873 m² in 10 years.
• Predicted expansion of carcinogenic health risks from 21,390 m² to 53,488 m² in 10 years.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a robust framework for assessing groundwater pollution risks.
• Findings support the protection of groundwater drinking water sources.
• The methodology aids in informed decision-making for environmental remediation at service stations.