Potentially toxic elements in river water and associated health risks in Ropar Wetland, India and its vicinity

In the present study, quality of surface water from five different locations on banks river Sutlej in Ropar wetland was determined by estimation physico-chemical parameters; indices; contents arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, lead and zinc; determination genotoxic potential samples using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay plasmid pBR322 DNA nicking assay; assessment associated possible human health risks for adults children. River slightly alkaline, moderate to very hard, non-saline, unsuitable both drinking irrigation. Among 20 analysed, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn Pb 11, 7, 3, 15, 14 13 exceeded safe limits (mg/L) 0.003, 0.05, 0.30, 0.10 0.01, respectively. Ingestion posed higher risk than dermal contact, where Co major contributor mean hazard index (3.26–10.72 4.22–13.87 children). Hazard contact age groups < 1.00. Cr found be primarily responsible high total cancer routes exposure, i.e. ingestion (6.83E−04 2.03E−03 7.58E−05 2.25E−04 children) (5.15E−05 2.02E−04 6.23E−06 2.44E−05 Prolonged exposure contaminated may elevate study area; therefore, pre-treatment is necessary before its utilization population area.