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Sao, et al.

Table 7. Carcinogenic risk assessment (arsenic exposure) for the dry and rainy seasons in Prek Te
Season Mean concentration (µg/L) Men Women Children
LADD LCR LADD LCR LADD LCR
Dry Season (n=21) 1.235 1.0×10 −2 1.5×10 −2 1.2×10 −2 1.8×10 −2 1.8×10 −2 2.6×10 −2
Rainy Season (n=21) 8.531 6.9×10 −2 1×10 −1 8.1×10 −2 1.2×10 −1 1.2×10 −1 1.8×10 −1
Abbreviations: As: Arsenic; LADD: Lifetime average daily dose; LCR: Lifetime cancer risk.

3.3.2. Carcinogenic risk assessment with the WHO guidelines and CDWQS, except for As
The carcinogenic risks associated with drinking water and Ni.
during the rainy and dry seasons are presented in Arsenic concentrations reached a maximum of
Table 7. The LCR of As for men, women, and children 58.1 µg/L, exceeding both the CDWQS limits of
in the dry season was calculated as 1.5 × 10 , 1.8 × 10 , 50 µg/L and the WHO guideline of 10 µg/L. Additional
−2
−2
and 2.6 × 10 , respectively. These values indicate that recorded values of 21.9 µg/L and 10.8 µg/L also
−2
for every 10,000 individuals exposed to As in drinking surpassed the WHO guideline. Ni concentrations were
water over their lifetime, approximately 150, 180, and found at a maximum of 45.8 µg/L, with other recorded
260 cases of cancer may develop in men, women, and values of 25.4 µg/L, 24.4 µg/L, and 23.8 µg/L. These
children, respectively. concentrations exceeded the CDWQS limit of 20 µg/L
In the rainy season, the LCR of As increased to 1 × 10 , but remained below the WHO guideline of 70 µg/L.
−1
1.2 × 10 , and 1.8 × 10 for men, women, and children, Contaminant concentrations were generally lower in
−1
−1
respectively. These values indicate that for every 100 the dry season compared to the rainy season, indicating
exposed individuals, approximately 10, 12, and 18 cases better water quality during the dry season.
of cancer could be expected due to As contamination Statistical analysis revealed a significant seasonal
in drinking water. The United States Environmental difference (p<0.05) in all assessed water quality
Protection Agency does not classify several metals— parameters, including pH, DO, EC, TDS, As, Cu, Cr,
including Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni—as carcinogenic Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni. The health risk assessment indicated
through oral exposure. However, LCR values are essential that residents along Prek Te are exposed to chemical
for assessing As-related risks among different demographic contaminants primarily through the drinking water
groups. Higher LCR values indicate an increased risk of pathway. HQ and HI values were higher in children than
developing cancer from As exposure, highlighting the need in women and men, indicating that children are more
for effective mitigation strategies to minimize exposure, susceptible to non-carcinogenic risks from waterborne
especially among vulnerable populations such as children. contaminants. Furthermore, LCR analysis showed that
Inorganic arsenic is one of the most prevalent children face a higher risk of As-related health effects
chemical contaminants in drinking water worldwide and compared to adults. These findings highlight the urgent
is a confirmed human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure need for a regular water quality monitoring program.
35
to low concentrations of heavy metals may lead to In addition, the implementation of appropriate drinking
the development of various cancers years after initial water treatment methods, particularly for As removal, is
exposure. Contaminated drinking water containing critical to ensuring safe drinking water for residents in
36
heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) has been associated the Prek Te area.
with an increased risk of cancer in humans. Given that
37
As concentrations in drinking water exceeded acceptable Acknowledgments
limits, particularly for children, urgent interventions are
necessary to mitigate public health risks. 38 The authors would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude
to the Soil Environmental Laboratory, Department
4. Conclusion of Environment and Energy Engineering (DEEE),
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
This study investigated the seasonal variations in surface for generously providing the facilities and instrument
water quality and the associated human health risks due necessary for conducting the water samples analysis.
to chemical contamination from upstream artisanal Their support and access to advanced analytical
mining activities along Prek Te. The analytical results instruments are essential in ensuring the accuracy and
revealed that most water quality parameters complied reliability of our results.

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 94 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060037