HEALTH RISKS ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS FROM THE CONTAMINATED SOILS OF OKENE METROPOLIS, NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study revealed the health risk associated with selected heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni and Cd) in Okene Metropolis. Soil samples from workshops and other anthropogenic activities were collected and their heavy metal contents analyzed. The two pathways of exposure to heavy metals in soils are: ingestion and by dermal contact pathways. Children are the most susceptible part of the population and highly venerable to health risk Health risk assessment showed that the order of exposure was children > adults. This research revealed the health risk assessment for children and adults are less than 1 and therefore, heavy metals were not accessible to any health risks. Despite the lack of health risk at present, continuous activities from these workshops and other anthropogenic activities may likely lead to soil pollution in future. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be continuous monitoring of heavy metals in Okene Metropolis to ascertain the health risk associated with heavy metals.