Health risk assessment of Fluoride and Cadmium enrichment in rural drinking groundwater in Shanxi Province, China

Qi-fa Sun; Bing Lu; Chuan-lei Lu; Yuan Yang; Xu Xie; Lin Guo; Chen Hu; Xu Wang

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280067

Volume 14 Issue 1

Mar. 2026

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Sun QF, Lu B, Lu CL, et al. 2026. Health risk assessment of Fluoride and Cadmium enrichment in rural drinking groundwater in Shanxi Province, China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 14(1): 1-14 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280067

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Health risk assessment of Fluoride and Cadmium enrichment in rural drinking groundwater in Shanxi Province, China

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280067

Qi-fa Sun^{1, 2, 3, 4},
Bing Lu^{1, 2
,
,},
Chuan-lei Lu^{1, 2
,
,},
Yuan Yang¹,
Xu Xie¹,
Lin Guo^{1, 3},
Chen Hu^{1, 3},
Xu Wang^{1, 3}

1.
Harbin Center for Integrated Natural Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
2.
Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone in Black Soil, Ministry of Natural Resources, Harbin 150086, China
3.
Northeast Geological Science and Technology Innovation Center, China Geological Survey, Shenyang 110034, China
4.
Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources Development and Protection in the Songnen-Sanjiang Plain of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150086, China

More Information

Corresponding author: 2208408367@qq.com; 819070179@qq.com
Received Date: 2024-11-12
Accepted Date: 2025-06-30

Available Online: 2025-11-20

Publish Date: 2026-03-15

Abstract

Abstract

Excessive levels of Fluoride (F⁻) and Cadmium (Cd) in drinking groundwater may pose health risks. This study assessed the health risks associated with F⁻ and Cd contamination in rural drinking groundwater sources in Wutai County, Shanxi Province, China, to support population health protection, water resource management, and environmental decision-making. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed, and a Human Health Risk Model (HHRA) was applied to evaluate groundwater quality. The results showed that both contents of F⁻ and Cd in groundwater exceeded the Class III limits of China's national groundwater quality standard (GB/T 14848—2024). Fluoride levels met the Class V threshold, with enrichment area mainly located in the east part of the study area. Cadmium levels reached Class IV, with elevated concentrations primarily observed in the western and northwestern regions. Correlation analysis revealed that F⁻ showed weak or no correlation with other measured substances, indicating independent sources. Health risk assessment results indicated that F⁻ poses potential health risks to rural residents, while cadmium, due to its relatively low concentrations, does not currently present a significant health risk. Among different demographic groups, the health risk levels of F⁻ exposure followed the order: Infants >children >adult females >adult males. The findings highlight that fluoride is the primary contributor to health risks associated with groundwater consumption in the study area. Strengthened monitoring and prevention of F⁻ contamination are urgently needed. This research provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of fluoride pollution in groundwater and offers practical guidance for safeguarding drinking water safety in rural China.
- Rural China,
- Groundwater quality,
- Fluoride,
- Cadmium,
- Source analysis,
- Health risk assessment

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References(39)

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