Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Surface Water Due to Leachate from the Municipal Dumpsite by Pollution Index: A Case Study from Ndawuse River, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The 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.