Health Implication of Heavy Metal Ions in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the environmental contamination levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in soil, water, and air samples from the Niger Delta region, alongside their associated health risks. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in soil were 25 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively; in water, they were 0.05 mg/L for Pb, 0.01 mg/L for Cd, and 0.005 mg/L for As; and in air, 100 µg/m³ for Pb, 10 µg/m³ for Cd, and 5 µg/m³ for As. Hazard quotients (HQ) were calculated, with Pb showing the highest HQ of 8,333.33, indicating a significant non-carcinogenic risk. The carcinogenic risk (CR) for Pb was 0.065, while for Cd and As, it was 0.008 and 0.00135, respectively. The total exposure dose (TED) was highest for Pb (1.0), followed by Cd and As. Risk indices (RI) calculated for the study area showed a total value of 12,000, driven mainly by Pb. This study highlights the critical health risks posed by these contaminants, particularly lead, and the urgent need for remediation strategies in the region. The results align with previous studies and suggest the necessity of continuous environmental monitoring and public health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with these heavy metals.