Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment is a serious concern, particularly in natural resource-dependent countries. In most coastal communities in these countries, drinking water quality, stable food, and livelihoods are primarily dependent on ecological systems and marine resources (e.g., sediments and sh), thus humans and other receptors are exposed to heavy metal risks through ingestion and dermal contact. This research evaluated the potential ecological risks of heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediments, and shell shes (C. amnicola, U. tangeri, T. fuscatus, P. monodon) along the Oproama creeks in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured in three stations within the waterways using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and their relative ecological and human health risk analysed. Health risk evaluation of individual heavy metals in shell sh tissue indicates an adverse health impact. The high mean carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values of Cd (3.74), Pb (4.3), and Cr (8.4) recorded in the shell sh were signi cantly greater than 1, while the degree of contamination in the sediment (110.84) and water (60.15) were greater than 24 which is an indication of potential adverse ecological and human health impacts for different age groups and residents in the area. This establishes a signi cant possibility of heavy metal risks to public health, water quality and marine organisms. While in-depth health analysis is recommended, there is an urgent need to reduce oil spills, and an intentional provision of sustainable livelihoods to the local population.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Exposure in Soils of Ihwrekreka Communities, Delta State, Nigeria

“…To reduce the risks related to Ni, Cr, and Cd in an oil-polluted site, it is important to identify the sources of heavy metals and implement strategies to reduce the release of heavy metals from the site (Chris et al, 2023). This may involve a blend of efforts to reduce materials and products that contain these metals, to properly store and transport oil and oil-related products, and to remediate contaminated soil and water (Silva et al, 2022).…”

Assessment of water quality and heavy metal contamination in ballast water: Implications for marine ecosystems and human health

“…Heavy metals can affect the reproductive capabilities of marine organisms, impair their immune systems, and cause genetic mutations, with far-reaching consequences for both the immediate environment and human health. For instance, the consumption of contaminated seafood can pose serious health risks to humans (Chris et al, 2023;Onyena et al, 2024). Several sources contribute to the release of heavy metals into coastal environments, including anthropogenic activities, industrial and urban wastewater, dredging and reclamation, nuclear weapons, power plants, sea traffic, and bilge and ballast water disposals related to port services (Dobaradaran et al, 2018).…”

“…Lead and nickel become harmful at concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/L. The existence of heavy metals at certain elevated concentrations in the marine environment creates a societal health risk which is harmful for fisheries and human nutrition (Chris et al, 2023). These heavy metals demand attention due to their potential health risks, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and adherence to safety standards to mitigate their adverse effects.…”

Hazard Identification and Potential Risk Analysis of Toxic Metals in Redbelly Tilapia (Coptodon zillii) Consumed and Surface Water from the Niger Delta Estuary

“…Oil spills have tainted numerous creeks and rivers in the region, as highlighted by Chijioke et al (2018) and Akpotor (2019). As per Chris et al (2023a), native edible fishes, crucial protein sources for many local communities, are now threatened by trace metals pollution from crude oil and other contaminants. The disposal of waste and energy by civilization has exceeded the water resources' carrying capacity in Nigeria, leading to the persistence of environmental pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, as discussed by Davies and Ekperusi (2021).…”