HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN DOMESTIC WATER OF EASTERN OBOLO COMMUNITIES OF NIGERIA.
Igbemi Arthur Igbemi*, I. L. Nwaogazie, O. Akaranta and G. O. Abu
ABSTRACT
The investigation of chemical contaminant of domestic water sources and the determination of Human Health Risk due to six Heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) in Eastern Obolo coastline communities was carried out by testing 48 water samples from 12 communities for the concentration of 21 chemical parameters and 6 Heavy metals. Internationally accepted procedures were observed in the collection and testing of water samples from November, 2017 to October, 2018 across Wet and Dry seasons. The United States Environmental Protection Agency model was used to estimate Human Health Risk from exposure to heavy metals. Result showed acidification of water sources with mean pH as low as 5.8 in some surface water, particularly during the wet season. A generally low Dissolved Oxygen content of water was observed with the highest value of 2.5mg/L. The concentrations of Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Cadmium (Cd) were as high as 0.29 0.29 mg/l, 2.36 1.27mg/l and 1.42 0.66mg/l, respectively in some groundwater sources with significant seasonal variation (p<0.05). The incremental cancer risk associated with exposure to carcinogenic heavy metals through drinking water was above 1x10-4 for Cd, predisposing children and adults to the risk of cancer from Cd. Cluster analysis demonstrated similarities in chemical parameters in some communities which could suggest similar source of contamination requiring similar measure of control or treatment.
Keywords: Chemical contaminants, Heavy metals, Human Health Risk Assessment, Eastern Obolo communities.
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