Toxic Implications of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Sources of Loko and Mararraba in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Metals are substances with high electrical conductivity, malleability, and luster, which voluntarily lose their electrons to form cations. This study aimed at assessing the Toxic implications of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Sources of Loko and Mararraba in Nasarawa using Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES). The results showed that, seven heavy metals along with their respective concentrations for both Loko and Mararraba in mg/L (Zn (0.19 and 0.23), Cd (0.00 and 0.00), Fe (0.05 and 0.04), Cu (0.01 and 0.01), Pd (0.01 and 0.01), Ni (0.003 and 0.002) and Mn (0.092 and 0.027)) respectively were present in the water samples. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was all recorded to be lower than unity. The Hazard Index (HI) was also recorded to be 4.6x10-4 and 5.7 x 10-4 for both Loko and Mararraba respectively, value less than unity. This makes non-carcinogenic effects negligible. The total excess life cancer risk was found to be 36.1.4x10-13 and 41.46x10-13 for both Loko and Mararraba respectively, value less than that of U.S (1.0x10-4 to 1.0x10-6) and South Africa (5.0x10-6). This makes carcinogenic effects negligible. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the water at the sample locations is recommended.

Toxicity of Radon-222 in Groundwater across Keana in Nasarawa, Nigeria

“…According to a 2010 assessment by Darko et al, as reported by Rilwan et al in 2022 [4,5] the people of Nasarawa only use untreated groundwater (from wells and boreholes) and surface water sources. This is due to the limited number of pipe-borne water sources that are available and the fact that they are frequently inoperable.…”

“…A naturally occurring radioactive inert gas with a half-life of 3.82 days, Radon-222 is soluble in water and belongs to the uranium decay series. The majority of the radiation from all-natural sources comes from it [5] .…”

“…According to studies, the amount of Radon-222 ( 222 Rn) and its offspring that makes up the total effective dosage equivalent from natural sources is roughly 50% [5,6] . Water contains a high amount of 222 Rn due to the decay of Radium-226 found in rocks and soil [5,7] . Radon gas permeates rocks and soil before dissolving in water [5,8] .…”

“…Water contains a high amount of 222 Rn due to the decay of Radium-226 found in rocks and soil [5,7] . Radon gas permeates rocks and soil before dissolving in water [5,8] . Drinking water from sources of groundwater typically contains more radon than surface water [5,9] .…”

“…Radon gas permeates rocks and soil before dissolving in water [5,8] . Drinking water from sources of groundwater typically contains more radon than surface water [5,9] .…”