Source analysis and Monte Carlo-based risk assessment of groundwater heavy metal contamination in typical industrial regions of Jiangxi, China

Groundwater is a crucial water resource that underpins human survival and industrial and agricultural development. The pollution levels and health risks of heavy metals in the groundwater have garnered substantial attention. This study investigated the pollution characteristics, sources, and ecological and health risks of heavy metals in the groundwater of typical industrial areas. The Nemerow integrated pollution indexes showed that 86 % groundwater samples in industrial areas were contaminated with heavy metals when referencing the WHO drinking water guidelines. The distribution of heavy metals exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, as evidenced by the high coefficient of variation. Principal component analysis showed that water-rock interaction and industrial point-source pollution might be the primary contributors to these heavy metals in groundwater. Among these groundwater samples, 17.24 % of samples presented mild or higher ecological risks. Besides, both adults and children were in danger of health risk. Arsenic (As, 57.38 %), Mn (29.68 %) and Pb (10.86 %) were the predominant contributors to the unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk, while As (50.32 %) and Ni (49.14 %) were responsible for the carcinogenic risk, respectively. This study helps to reveal the pollution patterns and sources of heavy metals in the groundwater of industrial areas, and provides a theoretical basis for management measures against pollution. • Heavy metal pollution was assessed in the industrial groundwater. • Industrial activities greatly influence groundwater pollution levels than regions. • Both adults and children were in danger of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. • As and Ni posed major carcinogenic risk to human health. • Monte Carlo simulation was used to reduce uncertainties in health risk assessment.