Abstract In the present investigation, groundwater samples (n = 508) collected from northern, central, and southern Punjab were analyzed for the detection of potentially hazardous metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr) and As using atomic absorption spectrometer. Lead was observed as a predominant contaminant with 167 (32.8%) samples exceeding the permissible limit, followed by As, with 19 (3.7%) samples above the limit set by WHO. Spatial variation for the occurrence of metals showed statistically significant levels of Ni and Cr in groundwater from central Punjab, and As from northern Punjab. Assessment of health risks to these pollutants revealed As as a noxious pollutant, with hazard indices and carcinogenic risks significantly higher than the recommended limits in the three regions; and hence, posing a serious threat to the study population. Also, the risk values were higher for children than adults, indicative of their higher susceptibility to the ill-effects of these pollutants.

中文翻译：

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旁遮普省（印度）地下水源中金属和砷的存在和空间分布及其健康风险评估

摘要 在本调查中，使用原子吸收光谱仪分析了从旁遮普邦北部、中部和南部采集的地下水样品 (n = 508)，以检测潜在危险金属（Pb、Cd、Ni、Cr）和 As。观察到铅是主要污染物，有 167 个（32.8%）样本超过了允许限值，其次是 As，有 19 个（3.7%）样本超过了世卫组织设定的限值。金属存在的空间变化表明，旁遮普省中部和旁遮普省北部的地下水中镍和铬的含量具有统计学意义。对这些污染物的健康风险评估显示为有毒污染物，其危害指数和致癌风险明显高于三个地区的推荐限值；因此，对研究人群构成严重威胁。还，