article · Discover Applied Sciences
An investigation of soil and borehole water quality was conducted in Ifite-Awka, Nigeria, to evaluate heavy metal pollution and related health risks. Soil samples from three depth profiles and local borehole water were tested for physicochemical characteristics, including pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity, alongside concentrations of zinc, arsenic, lead, and chromium. Water pH ranged from 5.6 to 6.8, and soil pH spanned 5.0 to 7.5. Zinc, lead, and chromium concentrations remained within established World Health Organization thresholds, though arsenic levels exceeded recommended limits in one sample. Non-carcinogenic health risks for adults and children were found to be minimal across inhalation, ingestion, and dermal routes. However, carcinogenic risk estimates slightly surpassed standard regulatory thresholds, presenting higher risks to children through extended soil exposure.
Rapid urban and industrial growth can lead to heavy metal contamination in everyday resources like soil and drinking water. By assessing these contaminants in local environments, communities and regulatory authorities can identify specific toxic risks, such as elevated arsenic, and implement targeted interventions to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children, from long-term health hazards.
The findings can inform public health bodies, environmental monitoring agencies, and water management services seeking baseline contamination data in developing urban zones. As an observational environmental assessment, this research represents an early diagnostic stage rather than a product or process, and the abstract does not indicate a direct pathway toward commercialisation.
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Abstract Urbanization and industrialization's influence on heavy metal contamination in soil and surface/groundwater resources warrant ongoing attention to protect public health and the environment, especially in Nigeria. Soil samples from different depths (0–10 cm, 15–25 cm, 25–40 cm) and borehole water samples were studied for physicochemical properties and heavy metal content. The result showed that borehole water pH ranged from 5.6 to 6.8, while soil pH ranged from 5.0 to 7.5 which is below WHO limits of 6.5–8.5. Other soil properties such as soil organic matter, cationic exchange capacity, and heavy metals (zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) were assessed for fertility and pollution indicators. The concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cr were within WHO standards, but As in Sample C exceeded the limits. Heavy metals concentration order in soil was Zn > Cr > As > Pb. Pearson correlations (r) showed positive and negative relationship between variances in soil and water samples ranging − 0.17–0.99 with diverse chemical interactions across all variables analysed. Risk assessment showed average daily intake dominated through ingestion, with low risks through dermal contact. Hazard quotient and index values for all metals were below one (1), indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children via different pathways (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal pathways). However, cancer risk slightly exceeded USEPA levels, especially for children due to prolonged soil exposure. The analysis further revealed that children are more at risk compared to adults from soil exposure (ingestion and dermal) over a long period. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and environmental regulations to ensure sustainability.
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DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-05767-8
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