Human Health Risk Assessment of Metals and Metalloids in Groundwater Resources around the Sanitation Facilities in major Markets from Abeokuta Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background

Groundwater is a sustainable resource that provides potable water for millions of people. Contamination of groundwater by metals and metalloids (MMs) may, therefore, pose serious health threats to consumers.

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the health risk of MMs in groundwater resources around the vicinity of sanitation facilities at different markets in Abeokuta metropolis, southwestern Nigeria.

Methods

Fifty hand-dug wells around the waste sanitation facilities in ten markets from the Abeokuta metropolis were monitored. Groundwater samples were analysed for MMs using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic hazard quotient [HQ], and cancer risk [CR]) were estimated in groundwater.

Results

Significantly higher (p<0.01) levels of MMs were observed in groundwater from the market areas than in the control site. The health risk assessment showed high HQs greater than the acceptable limit of 1.0 for Mn and Pb, establishing non-carcinogenic adverse health effects. Co also indicated carcinogenic effects in the groundwater from the market areas showing a CR value greater than the permissible limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁴.

Conclusion

This study established the detrimental effects of market wastes on the surrounding groundwater quality.