Introduction. This study aimed to analyse nitrate and nitrite concentrations in unpurified chlorinated drinking water across the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and to assess the associated chronic health risks for both adult and paediatric populations. Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed using data from 2023 obtained from seven authorized, certified, and accredited public health institutions. A total of 11,919 samples of unpurified chlorinated drinking water were analysed. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined using a spectrophotometric analytical method. Valued below the analytical detection limit were imputed as one-half of the respective detection limits. Health risk assessment was conducted by calculating the Hazard Quotient for adults and children in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency methodology. Results. Elevated nitrite concentrations were identified in 456 samples (3.83%), with a mean concentration of 0.030 mg/L and a maximum value of 1.005 mg/L (national limit: 0.03 mg/L). Elevated nitrate concentrations were detected in 129 samples (1.08%), with a mean concentration of 5.229 mg/L and a maximum concentration of 139 mg/L (national limit: 50 mg/L). A Hazard Quotient value below one indicates the absence of non-carcinogenic health risk. For the average nitrate concentration, Hazard Quotient values were within acceptable limits for both adults (8.46E-02) and children (3.49E-01); however, Hazard Quotient values calculated using maximum nitrate concentrations exceeded the safety threshold (2.25E+00 for adults and 9.27E+00 for children). In contrast, Hazard Quotient for nitrites remained well below one for both average and maximum concentrations in both population groups. Conclusion. While average nitrate and nitrite concentrations in chlorinated drinking water do not pose a chronic health risk, elevated maximum nitrate concentrations represent a potential longterm health concern, particularly for children.
Pamuk et al. (Wed,) studied this question.