Assessment of Potential Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal Contamination in Drinking Water in the Kulim Hi Tech Park (KHTP) Region of Malaysia

Abstract The presence of heavy metals in the environment can have a negative impact on living beings and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the potential human health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals in drinking water from Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), Malaysia. Thirty water samples were collected from different locations within and around KHTP, and the concentration of five heavy metals (iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni)) was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean concentration of these heavy metals ranged from 0.0177 ±0.0017 mg/L to 0.8652 ±0.0606 mg/L, with the mean concentration order being Ni> Fe> Zn > Mn> Cd. Iron, cadmium, and nickel exceeded the permissible limits. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Fe, Zn, and Mn were ranked in the order of Fe > Zn > Mn. However, the individual and total HQ and Hazard Index (HI) values were below 1, suggesting no expected negative impact on human health. Nevertheless, the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values for Cd and Ni in the entire population of adults and children ranged from 2.35E -02 to 5.79E -03 , indicating that the levels of Cd and Ni in water resources in KHTP and its surrounding area may be above safe levels and require proper remediation to minimize the risk to human health. The study establishes a baseline for heavy metal contamination in KHTP and nearby water resources, emphasizing the need for further research to safeguard Kulim's environment and residents.