Elevated levels of arsenic and trace metals in drinking water of Tehsil Mailsi, Punjab, Pakistan

• Elevated levels of trace metals and arsenic were observed in drinking water of Tehsil Mailsi, Pakistan.
• Spatial distribution of aqueous As and trace metals were examined.
• Anthropogenic activities mainly contributed to arsenic and trace metals pollution in drinking water.
• Trace metals, particularly As and Cd exhibited high health risks to humans.

Trace metal contamination in drinking water poses severe threat to human health through long-term exposure. The present study highlighted the elevated arsenic (As) and trace metal concentrations in drinking water and associated potential health risk to local residents of Tehsil Mailsi (Punjab), Pakistan. Our results showed that concentrations of As, Cd, Fe, Cr and Pb exceeded the WHO limits in drinking water, whereas Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn concentrations were below the safe limits. The calculated estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals from local drinking water had the order of Zn > As > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Mn > Cr, and the consequent target hazard quotient (THQ) above 1 was observed for As and Cd, which employed high potential health risk to local residents. Spatial distribution of As and trace metals in drinking water were related to the local anthropogenic sources, due to intensive application of agrochemicals. The study area presents high potential health risk associated with As and trace metals pollution in drinking water. The local wells have never been tested for metal concentrations prior to use, and necessary processes should be taken to test the wells with respect to As and trace metals contamination.