Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace metals in Water from Qua Iboe River Estuary, Ibeno, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to determine levels of trace metals in Qua Iboe river estuary (QIRE), Ibeno and estimate human health risk associated with water from the river via ingestion and dermal exposure. Method: Trace metals in water from QIRE was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and human health risk induced by the trace metals in dry and wet seasons was investigated using mathematical models recommended by United States Environmental Potential Agency (USEPA). Results: The range for the different metals investigated in dry season were as follows: Pb (0.147 to 0.19mg/l), Cd (0.02 to 0.31mg/l), V(0.04 to 0.11mg/l), Cr (0.09 to 0.18mg/l), Ni (0.28 to 0.61mg/l), Fe (8.78 to 13.97mg/l), Zn (0.13 to 0.56mg/l). The results for wet season were: Pb (0.07 to 0.19mg/l), Cd (0.05 to 0.31mg/l), V (0.01 to 0.03mg/l), Cr (0.02 to 0.15mg/l), Ni (0.03 to 2.33mg/l), Fe (0.02 to 4.92mg/l), Zn (0.11 to 0.43mg/l). Concentrations of metals were above USEPA limits except Zn. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values via ingestion of water were greater than one while the THQ values via dermal contact were greater than one for Cd only. The combined target hazard index (HI*) from ingestion and dermal contact of water was greater than unity for Cd, Cr and Pb for wet and dry seasons. Conclusion: Findings in this study show that Pb, Cd and Cr may contribute to health risk from dermal and oral exposure to water from the QIRE systems. Constant monitoring and remediation processes of the QIRE are strongly recommended.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Water from Cross River Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni were higher than values reported by Moses and Etuk [11] while the concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu were lower than values reported by the above authors for trace metals in water from Qua Iboe river estuary. Benson et al [17] reported values comparable to the result in this study.…”

“…Nickel in this study was higher than values reported by the following by Ebong et al [14], Moses and Etuk [11], Benson et al [17]. The elevated levels of nickel observed in this study might be due to the use of nickelin nickel plating for anticorrosion and in the production of batteries.…”

“…The high level of lead might be due to anthropogenic activities such as marine transportation, direct discharge of wastes from oil facilities within the study area and introduction of lead laden domestic waste into the water body. Moses and Etuk [11] reported that lead in marine environment is associated with oil exploration, pipeline transportation as well corrosion inhibition. Renal failure has been linked with the ingestion of drinking water polluted with lead.…”

“…The toxicity of trace metal is a function of its concentration, exposure and chemical nature. Exposure to pollutants such as trace metals through ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact can pose risk to human health [11].…”

“…Several authors have reported on the levels of trace metals in some estuary in the Niger Delta [13][14][15][16]. Some researcher have worked on the risk assessment of trace metals in water from Qua Iboe river estuary [11,17,18] and Imo river estuary [19], but there is little or no information on the risk assessment of trace metals in water from Cross River Estuary. This study was conducted to assess the levels of some trace metals in water from Cross River estuary and estimate the human health risk associated with exposure to trace metal pollutants in water from the above estuary via ingestion and dermal pathway.…”