Water Quality, Source Identification, and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Using Multivariate Analysis in the Han River Watershed, South Korea

This study aimed to investigate the irrigation water quality, major pollution sources, and human health hazards by focusing on heavy metal concentrations in surface of Han River watershed, South Korea that supplies for consumption irrigation. Here, Mn was found have highest mean concentration, with maximum concentration recorded at IH-2. The were higher during summer fall than spring. metals relatively high downtown area (1.8 times) downstream wastewater treatment facilities (1.3 times), indicating (WTFs) may be primary source pollution. Water most sites suitable However, sodium absorption ratio soluble percentage indicated IH-2 unsuitable. results principal component analysis anthropogenic (vehicle industrial) activities sources Ingestion identified as exposure pathway terms risks. hazard quotients index all pathways below safety limit (<1) children adults.