Abstract
Non-cancer hazard index for inhabitants exposed to heavy metals in surface and groundwater of the abandoned metal mine in Igun-Ijesha area were evaluated. A total of thirty-eight water samples were collected from surface and ground water sources in the study area between September 2012 and February 2013 and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Non-cancer risk assessments from possible exposure to heavy metals were evaluated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s human health risk assessment guidelines. Simple random sampling was used to administer questionnaires to investigate demographic characteristics and public health status of residents. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA using SPSS for Windows version 16. Results indicated elevated levels of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) ranging from 0.01-1.20, 0.05-0.52, 0.80-34.80, 0.09-4.30, 0.09-8.30, 0.05-3.94, 0.05-19.60 and 1.80-29.90 mg L-1 respectively which exceeded national recommended limits with few exceptions. Hazard Quotients (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) of heavy metals were calculated and results greater than 1 indicate non-carcinogenic adverse health effects of the observed metals. A daily intake of water by the local residents could pose a potential health threat from long-term heavy-metal exposure. The risk assessment provided by this study can be beneficially used and applied for risk communication to avoid negative public health impact. Similarly, Water Safety quality assurance strategic plan should be developed to safeguard source, water and public health within the mining community.
Highlights
Gold mining activities generates large amounts of highly soluble inorganic matter, some of which are considered toxic to life and the environment (Ramani, 2001)
In Nigeria, individuals residing in mining environments have been exposed to heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn in surface and groundwater over the last few decades and high concentrations of these heavy metals have been identified in various environmental compartments in mining communities, surface and groundwater bodies (Obiri et al, 2006; Essumang, 2009)
Majority (66%) of the respondents said gold mining activity has a negative impact on the area and based on the responses from the respondents
Summary
Gold mining activities generates large amounts of highly soluble inorganic matter, some of which are considered toxic to life and the environment (Ramani, 2001). The chemical analysis of these pollutant concentrations in as inhalation, dermal absorption or water ingestion (USEPA, 2001) while indirect exposure occur when pollutants reach human after crossing one or several paths (Rikken and Lijzen, 2004; Zaimoglu et al, 2006). This study employs the USEPA risk assessment framework to evaluate the risk posed to resident adults in the mining community where gold mining activity is pervasive and longstanding. This is done by carefully evaluating doses likely to be received by individuals throughout their lifetime or at critical periods within their life cycle
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