Concentrations and health risk assessment of selected cations and anions in drinking water in Antalya, Türkiye

This study investigates the potential health risks associated with ion concentrations in fountains used for drinking water in the Antalya/Konyaaltı tourism center region. A total of 32 fountain samples commonly used during the summer were analyzed to determine the anion and cation concentrations using ion chromatography equipped with a conductivity detector. The results showed high accuracy and reliability, with R² values ranging between 0.998 and 0.999 and recovery values between 97% and 110% at low and high concentrations. The method detection limit and method quantification limit were determined as 0.004 and 0.276, respectively, whereas the pH values ranged from 6.71 to 7.69. When examining the average fluoride and nitrate levels in different age groups, the nitrate daily acceptable intake (total hardness index) values were found to be 0.175, 0.091, and 0.076 µg kg⁻¹ body weight per day for children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Overall, the study suggests that children have the highest exposure levels due to their lower body weight, and exposure levels decrease with increasing age.