Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.048
Exposure to Cd, Cr, and Pb through Bottled Water Consumption: A Preliminary Health Risk Assessment
Amila Turalić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7137-8594
; University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Jasmina Đeđibegović
; University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dragan Krešić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7974-4488
; Institute for Public Health of Sarajevo Canton, Dr. Mustafe Pintola 1/III, 71 210 Ilidža-Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Emina Muftić
; University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amir Čaušević
orcid.org/0000-0001-6477-7300
; Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maršala Tita 9, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Elma Omeragić
; University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations were analysed in 18 bottled drinking water samples from the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) market, classified as natural spring water or still natural mineral water. Metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation in a graphite furnace. Cr was quantified in two samples, Pb in four samples, while Cd concentrations were below the limit of detection in all samples. All concentrations were below national regulatory limits.
Health risks associated with Cr and Pb exposure through bottled water consumption were assessed for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), and total carcinogenic risk (TCR). Some exposure scenarios exceeded HQ and HI thresholds, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic effects, primarily due to Pb exposure. CR and TCR values across all exposure scenarios were below established thresholds, indicating generally acceptable or negligible carcinogenic risk.
Given the limited sample set, the data on Cd, Cr, and Pb content, along with the health risk assessment, should be regarded as preliminary, serving as a starting point to guide future research. Considering the health implications of heavy metal exposure, continuous water-quality monitoring and a more comprehensive health risk assessment, including additional heavy metals and a larger sample set, are essential, as regulatory compliance does not necessarily imply the absence of health risks.
Keywords
bottled drinking water; heavy metals; health risk assessment; non-carcinogenic risk; carcinogenic risk
Hrčak ID:
346448
URI
Publication date:
17.7.2026.
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