scholarly journals Heavy Metals in Sediments of Urban Streams: Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Influencing Factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Wojciechowska ◽  
Nicole Nawrot ◽  
Jolanta Walkusz-Miotk ◽  
Karolina Matej-Łukowicz ◽  
Ksenia Pazdro

Sediments of two urban streams in northern Poland outflowing to the Baltic Sea were assessed to explain the spatial variation in relation to urbanization level of the catchment, the role of retention tanks (RTs) and identification of pollution level. During the 3 month period of investigation sediment samples were collected from the inflow (IN) and outflow (OUT) of six RTs located on streams for flood protection. Six heavy metals (HMs) were investigated: Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr. The assessment of four geochemical enrichment indices used to quantify contamination of HMs in the sediments at IN and OUT samples was carried out. Contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk (RI) were calculated and the indices usefulness was assessed. Also, the hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated to assess health risk associated with dredging works. In sediments from RTs where paved surfaces constituted more than 70% of the catchment the HMs concentrations were from one to three times higher for Ni and from two to 143 times higher for Cu in comparison to soft catchment results. The extremely high Cu concentration (1114 mg/kg d.w.) found in sediments at RT Orłowska IN was most likely associated with large area of roofs covered with copper sheet. Calculation of CF, PLI, Igeo, RI, HQ indicators allows for a complex and multi-dimensional assessment of sediment status. Among these, CF and PLI classified the analyzed sediments as most polluted. Basing on the sedimentary HMs concentrations the health risk level via dermal exposure pathway was assessed as low.

Author(s):  
D. D. Bwede ◽  
R. A. Wuana ◽  
G. O. EGAH ◽  
A. U. Itodo ◽  
E. Ogah ◽  
...  

Tin mining tailings are unprocessed waste materials that overlie an ore which are displaced during mining activities. This research work is aimed at characterizing and evaluating the human health risk of heavy metals in tin mine tailings in Zabot (S3) and Tafan (S4) districts in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The samples were characterized using EDX-XRF and SEM. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cr, As, Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn) were determined in S3 and S4. The results showed that Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn were within the USEPA permissible limits, except for Pb and As with range of (270-300) mg/kg and (40-70) mg/kg respectively for both mining and control sites of S3 and S4. The SEM results revealed small particles size with fine porous structure, and rough areas with varying sizes and pores distributed over the surface for S3 and S4 respectively. Results of the risk assessment showed that the hazard quotient HQ and HI values were greater than 1 indicating high risk. The Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni and As were evaluated for S3 and S4 for the three exposure pathway and it was found that the mining sites pose more risk than the control and the children were more exposed than the adults. The carcinogenicity of these samples were due to the high hazard quotient for ingestion and dermal exposure pathway. The R total results for As, Cr, Pb and Ni for mining site S3 were found to be (1.39 × 102 , 2.02 × 10-7 , 3.30 × 103 and 8.17 × 10-8 ), and control site (3.42 × 103 , 2.64 × 10-5 , 38.30 × 101 , 6.90 × 10-8 ) for As, Cr, Pb and Ni respectively. From the R total results As and Pb were more than the acceptable threshold, while Cr and Ni were below the threshold of 1 × 10-4 . For the mining site S4, the R total were found to be (5.70 × 102 , 1.82 × 10-7 , 3.63 × 104 and 9.64 × 10-9 ),and the control (1.16 × 103 , 1.71 × 10-7 , 31.1 × 102 and 1.51 × 10-8 ) for As, Cr, Pb and Ni respectively. From the results of the mining and control sites, As and Pb R total were higher than the acceptable threshold, while Cr and Ni were below the threshold of 1 × 10-4 .


Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Hibiscus leaves cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Hibiscus leaves in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated Hibiscus leaves were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area.  Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks for the adult and children population through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals in the samples was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study shows that with the exception of Pb with mean concentration of (0.508-0.978), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.135-0.261), Cd (0.042-0.051), Fe (0.684-0.978) and Zn (1.048-1.208) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in both samples and the health risk index (HRI) for all the heavy metals were <1. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for the samples for both the adult and children population was in the decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd. ILCR for Cd is below the threshold risk limit (>10−5) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi were beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed: Funtua > Daura > Dutsinma > Katsina > Malunfashi > Matazu > Zango > Ingawa > Kafur > Dabai > Birchi for both adult and children, cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied Hibiscus samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adult. While in children with the exception of the sample from Birchi, Dabai and Kafur which are within the moderate cancer risk (>10−3) limit, all other samples were beyond the moderate cancer risk (>10−2) limit. The study suggests that consumption of the studied samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden. 


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  

Vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g.  Pesticides and heavy metals. The objectives of the study were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sampled Baobab leaf in Katsina state Nigeria and assessed the human health risks associated with the consumption of the Baobab leaves. The content of these metals was assayed by the AAS method. The health risk to the local inhabitants was evaluated by estimating daily heavy metal intake and computing the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cancer and non-cancer risks. The results were compared with the safety standards established by the WHO/FAO and USEPA. With the exception of the heavy metal Pb (0.526-0.981) the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.116-0.352), Cd (0.041-0.054), Fe (1.016-1.951) and Zn (0.940-1.229) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Cd, for all the baobab leaf samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the risk level (HI < 1). ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) for cancer in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai and Daura have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in rest of the samples and ILCR for Cd of all the samples are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The consumption of the Baobab leaf sample may contribute to the population cancer burden.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 4089-4104

Heavy metals are of serious concern for human health and food security. The risk to human health is directly related to soil and water pollution, which enter the food chain (vegetables and fruits). The current study was designed to investigate the heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Zn) concentrations in five vegetables (Potato, Tomato, Turnip, Onion & Taro) and five fruits (Banana, Apple, Grapes, Pomegranate, and Guava) samples. We also estimated metal concentrations in water and soil samples. Torkham, a border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, was selected for the purpose. The analysis was performed on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS, Perkin- Elmer 700). In vegetables, the highest Pb and Ni were recorded in Potatoes (0.34 ± 0.066) and Onions (0.278 ± 0.021). While in tomatoes, the highest concentrations of Cd (0.90± 0.115), Zn (0.726 ± 0.008), and Cr (1.761 ± 0.028) were noted. While, in fruits the highest levels of Pb (0.32± 0.03), Cd (0.61 ± 0.0119), Zn (0.357 ± 0.0047) and Ni (0.111 ± 0.0128), while in apples we noted the highest Cr levels (0.789 ± 0.0452). We compared the metal concentrations with permissible limits set by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization (WHO/FAO). In the majority of the samples, the metal levels exceeded the permissible limits, while few were found within the safe limits. Based on heavy metals concentrations in soil, water, vegetables, and fruit samples. We calculated the health risk assessment, i.e., daily intake of metals (DIM) estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), health risk index (HRI) and contamination factor (CF). The EDI for Ni and Zn was in the safest region. While for Cd and Pb, the highest EDI was recorded in tomatoes (0.394) and guava (0.303), respectively. Similarly, Cr poses’ serious risk with the highest EDI in tomatoes (0.771), apples (0.563), turnip (0.393), guava (0.282), and banana (0.263). If HRI, THQ THQ, and TTHQ are less than one (< 1), it means the exposed populations are not at risk. In the present HRI, THQ and TTHQ were found to be less than one. The contamination factor for Ni and Zn was found to be considerable (CF<6), while Pb, Cd, and Cr presented the highest contamination degree (CF>6). This study suggested that some samples may impose a certain degree of potential health risk. It is required that proper action should be taken to avoid chronic exposure and consequent adverse health effects.


Author(s):  
Teng Wang ◽  
Jingjing Yan ◽  
Jinlong Ma ◽  
Fei Li ◽  
Chaoyang Liu ◽  
...  

Environmental assessment of eutrophication or heavy metals in urban lakes is an important reference for identifying the pollution degree and formulating pollution prevention strategies. At present, the most research on lake health states is often evaluated from a single angle for toxic metals pollution or eutrophication using the standard comparison method for both, the comprehensive trophic level index (TLI), and the health risk assessment for toxic metals. Moreover, the above deterministic methods probably lead to biased or unreliable assessment due to the randomness and fuzziness in environment system caused by natural change and human activities. In this paper, a fuzzy comprehensive lake health assessment method (FCLHAM) was established to evaluate comprehensive lake health states more comprehensively and accurately, which integrates quantitative eutrophication and health risk considerations. To test and verify FCLHAM, 21 lakes, scientifically selected from the total 143 lakes in the Chinese Wuhan city as study case, were investigated and analyzed for their state of eutrophication and the health risk posed by heavy metals. According to the FCLHAM, the average comprehensive lake health state decreased in the sequence of L20 (considerate risk level) > L1–L17, L19, L21 (moderate risk level) > L18 (low risk level). Based on the result, lakes were classified into three categories: general management (L18), enhanced management (L1–L17, L19, L21), and priority management (L20). If the 143 lakes in Wuhan were classified by the “area-region-function” classification, they would be assigned to the same category as the representative lakes of the same type. At this point, we will attribute all of Wuhan’s lakes to the three types. Depending on the characteristics of each type, a targeted approach to different types of management for each type of lake is a more efficient way to manage many of Wuhan’s lakes. This management mode also serves as an effective reference for the environmental management of urban lakes both at home and abroad. In other words, according to the FCLHAM, a hierarchical management system based on lake characteristics classification was obtained.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. C. Ekhator ◽  
N. A. Udowelle ◽  
S. Igbiri ◽  
R. N. Asomugha ◽  
Z. N. Igweze ◽  
...  

Objective. Street-vended foods offer numerous advantages to food security; nevertheless, the safety of street food should be considered. This study has investigated the level of potential toxic metal (Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, Mn, and Al) contamination among street-vended foods in Benin City and Umunede. Methods. Twenty street food samples were purchased from vendors at bus stops. Metals were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methods developed by the US EPA were employed to evaluate the potential health risk of toxic metals. Results. The concentrations of the toxic metals in mg/kg were in the range of Pb (0.014–1.37), Cd (0.00–0.00017), Hg (0.00–0.00014), Sb (0.00–0.021), Mn (0.00–0.012), and Al (0.00–0.22). All the toxic metals except Pb were below permissible limit set by WHO, EU, and USEPA. The daily intake, hazard quotient, and hazard index of all toxic metals except for Pb in some street foods were below the tolerable daily intake and threshold value of 1, indicating an insignificant health risk. Total cancer risk was within the priority risk level of 1.0E-04 but higher than the acceptable risk level of 1E-06. Conclusion. Consumption of some of these street foods is of public health concern.


Author(s):  
Romanus A. Obasi ◽  
Henry Y. Madukwe

Heavy metals on the soil around an abandoned battery site at Wofun, Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria were studied for their ecological and health risks. Ten soil samples collected from the soil around the abandoned battery sites were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma –Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data were evaluated using indices such as contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution index to determine the ecological and health risks posed by the heavy metals. The results showed an average concentration of Pb (7274.4), V (190.63), Cu (77.52), Zn (53.08) and Co (53) in a decreasing order. The enrichment factor revealed high enrichment for Co (12.30) at site one (S1), and extreme enrichment of Pb (61.12). Zn, Rb and Mo showed no enrichment in the soil. All the sites exhibited extremely high enrichment of Pb except at S10 where the enrichment of Pb was only severe. The results of Igeo indicated that all the sites were strongly to extremely polluted by Pb while S6 is moderately polluted by Co. The rest of the metals do not constitute any pollution threats. An evaluation of the ecological risk index (RI) revealed that the mean Er for Co (13.95), Cu (8.61), and Zn (0.56) indicate low ecological risk as they are less than 40 (Er <40).  Lead (Pb) with Er value of 1818.60 has a very high ecological risk and accounts for most of the ecological risks in the study area. Lead (Pb) being the most toxic and abundant of all the heavy metals analyzed in the study areas was used to evaluate the potential  non-carcinogenic health risk for both children and adults. The hazard index which is the sum of the hazard quotients for children is 26.64 suggesting that non-carcinogenic health risk may occur if there is any form of exposure to the soil. The hazard index for the adult (2.87) indicated a significant potential non-carcinogenic health risk in the study area.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miebaka Moslen ◽  
Chioma Hope Adiela

The study assessed human health risk and accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Zn) in periwinkles (Tympanotonus fuscatus) obtained from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Samples were collected for six months on a monthly basis. The samples were digested according to the method described by Association of official analytical chemists and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Temporal variations in metal concentrations were observed with values (mgkg−1) ranging as follows Pb (2.34–6.7), Ni (0.55–2.28), Zn (0.55–11.66), Cr (0.74–3.65), Cu (1.15–3.91) and Cd (0.22–1.06). Variation in metal concentration was significantly different (p < 0.05) with metals such as Pb, Ni and Cd found to be above their respective FAO/WHO permissible limits. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of all metals examined was less than their respective reference oral doses (RFD). The target hazard quotient (THQ) non-carcinogenic and the hazard index (HI) of metals were < 1 while the hazard quotient carcinogenic (HQ) ranged between 10−6 – 10−4. The study therefore concluded gradual accumulation of metals and minimal health risk due to consumption of contaminated periwinkles in the study area.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibironke Titilayo Enitan ◽  
Abimbola Motunrayo Enitan ◽  
John Ogony Odiyo ◽  
Muhammad Mamman Alhassan

AbstractThe study assessed the level of heavy metals in surface water across Ndawuse River near the dumpsite at Phase 1 District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicated that oxygen demand, turbidity and heavy metals were above the standard limits set for drinking water. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed natural and anthropogenic activities as sources of heavy metal contamination. The estimated non-carcinogenic effects using hazard quotient toxicity potential, cumulative hazard index and daily human exposure dose of surface water through ingestion pathway were less than a unity. The estimated carcinogenic risks (CRing) exceeded the suggested potential risk limits, with lead (Pb) having the highest CRing value for all age groups. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metals over a period of time according to the estimated values. The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated river could pose an adverse health risk to several communities that rely on this receiving water bodies for domestic purposes. Therefore, there is need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect aquatic ecosystem and to avoid long term cumulative exposure risk that heavy metals may pose on human health.


Author(s):  
Mahdi Sadeghi ◽  
Mina Noroozi

Introduction: Contamination of water with heavy metals has turned into a health concern, particularly in the developing countries. In this study, concentration of heavy metals and associated carcinogenic and non- carcinogenic risk was investigated in water samples collected from Gonbad-e Kavus, a high-risk area for cancer. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from Gorgan River, Golestan reservoir and wells around villages with high prevalence in 2018. Samples were analysed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. After determining the concentration of heavy metals in water samples from different sources, health risk assessment was carried out according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Results: Arsenic in samples 6-9 was higher than 10 µg/L, calcium and magnesium in sample 5 was higher than 200 mg/L and 150 mg/L respectively, and sodium in all samples was higher than 50 mg/L.  According to the findings, these concentrations were higher than the maximum allowed limit in most water samples. Hazard quotient (HQ) in samples 8 and 9 were associated with arsenic and health risk in sample 1 was related to antimony. Furthermore, since all samples contained high amounts of lithium, water from this area better should not be consumed by children older than one year. Conclusion: Given the high rate of arsenic contamination, consumption of water in the study area could be health threatening for all individuals and is not recommended for children. This highlights the need for taking immediate actions to review the water treatment process and ensure safety of the drinking water in this area.


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