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Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Soil and Sediment of the Keana Brinefield in the Middle Benue Trough, Northcentral Nigeria
Sallau Adamu
,
Mangs Ayuba
,
Adamu Murtala
,
Lar Alexander Uriah
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 77-88
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 7 October 2014
Published: 31 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.21
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Abstract: This research was conducted in the Keana area of the middle Benue trough endowed with abundant mineral deposits (brine/salt, lead-zinc sulfide ores, barite and limestone) and has a long history of mining activity. Small scale mining activity in the area is currently increasing in intensity causing immeasurable damage to the environment and to the surrounding communities. Potentially toxic metal releases and remobilization from the mining sites into the surrounding arable soils and stream sediments poses serious human health risks since the surrounding communities live and grow their food from such environment. This research assesses the accumulation and the extent of contamination of Potentially Toxic Metals (PTM) in the vicinity of the mining environment using standard pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). A total of 40 samples were analyzed for As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sr and Zn, using ICP-OES geochemical technique. Analysis of geochemical data shows that the soil and stream sediments in the area are extremely polluted by Zn, Cr and Ni, having Igeo values of 4.9, 3.8 and 2.9 respectively. Igeo levels of Pb, Cr and Ba indicate moderate to no pollution. Zn and As with EF of 128.60 and 87.66 respectively, are severely enriched in the environment, while Pb, Ni and Cr with EF between 6 and 8, are moderately enriched. The calculated CF and PLI values for Cu, Sr and Sc in the soil and sediments remain very low, indicating these media are not contaminated by these elements. A pollution load index of < 1 as seen in most locations for those elements, indicate no pollution. The continued exposure of the populations living in this area particularly those in the mining locations who depend on the soil (for subsistence farming) and water from ponds, wells and boreholes (for drinking, cooking and other domestic uses), would result in various health risks and concerns, if not checked or abated. Lead, for example is known to be toxic even at very low exposure, with chronic lethal effects. This study recommends an immediate plan for analysis of the quality of drinking water and some staple crops grown in the area to determine the levels of these noxious metals and uptake by plants, to be followed by a comprehensive mitigation or remediation plan.
Abstract: This research was conducted in the Keana area of the middle Benue trough endowed with abundant mineral deposits (brine/salt, lead-zinc sulfide ores, barite and limestone) and has a long history of mining activity. Small scale mining activity in the area is currently increasing in intensity causing immeasurable damage to the environment and to the s...
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Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health
Lar Uriah
,
Shettima Esther
,
Dibal Hassan
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 70-76
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
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Abstract: The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.
Abstract: The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of v...
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Fluoride in Groundwater in Nigeria: Origin and Human Health Impact
Lar Alexander Uriah
,
Dibal Hyeladi
,
Schoeneich f Krzyszto
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 66-69
Received: 1 October 2014
Accepted: 18 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.19
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Abstract: Until recently, the mottling and staining of teeth (dental caries) was believed to be an identity of certain ethnic groups or communities in Nigeria. Those born and reared locally within such communities had mottling teeth and fluoride as the causal factor was not known then. It was sooner discovered that dental caries extended beyond tribal or communal barriers. Even foreigners that came from far away Asia presented this disease condition. Records have shown that elsewhere in the world where dental caries was endemic, fluoridization of public water supplies was done and that reduced the prevalence of dental carries greatly. Dental caries is endemic and epidemic spread over a large range of superficial area mainly the north eastern half of Nigeria both in the crystalline basement and sedimentary areas. The few data available on fluoride in drinking water clearly establishes the relationship between dental caries and environmental fluoride in drinking water. With the failure of the water supply systems in most parts of Nigeria to meet the demand of the increasing human population, about 90% of people use groundwater (well and borehole) for drinking and other domestic purposes. Studies have shown that, fluoride values (0.2 – 8 mg/l) above the 1.5 mg/l WHO admissible value have been recorded in the groundwater from the crystalline Basement rocks (consisting of granites, gneisses, and migmatites). In the sedimentary terrain especially that of the Benue Trough, fluoride values of between 1mg/l to 4 mg/l have been recorded and the incidence of dental caries extends all along the 1000 m N-S long trough. A lot of awareness campaign still needs to be done on the health implications of drinking of fluoride-rich waters and to debunk the belief of its association to certain tribes or communities.
Abstract: Until recently, the mottling and staining of teeth (dental caries) was believed to be an identity of certain ethnic groups or communities in Nigeria. Those born and reared locally within such communities had mottling teeth and fluoride as the causal factor was not known then. It was sooner discovered that dental caries extended beyond tribal or com...
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Assessment of Some Heavy Metals Distribution and their Possible Human Health Risks : A Case Study of Parts of Langtang South Area, Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria
Lar Uriah
,
Yenne Ezekiel
,
Ozoji Toochukwu
,
Jibo Jesse
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 54-65
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.18
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Abstract: An investigation on the distribution of heavy metals in some parts of Langtang South area located within the middle Benue Trough of Nigeria was carried out with the aim of determining their concentration levels for principally environmental assessment and for future mineral exploration studies. The area is characterized by four (4) lithologic formations; Asu River Group, Awe formation, Keana formation and Lafia formation. The area is endowed with abundant Pb-ZnS and BaSO4 mineralizations. Geochemical analysis of soil samples collected from the area revealed the following heavy metal concentrations; Co = 0.022 - 30.09ppm; Cr = up to 21.64ppm; Ni = 0.02 - 50.67ppm; Cu = 0.39 - 63.77ppm; Zn = 0.04 - 3468ppm; As = up to 465.7ppm; Pb = 0.012 - 9322ppm, Cd = up to 17.74ppm. It is also observed that Co, Cr, Zn, As, Cd, Ni and Cu have relatively low spatial distribution pattern in Agri and Bolya villages as well as its surroundings while high spatial distribution pattern of these elements are observed in Jigawa ba da Goshi. However, Pb is observed to have high spatial distribution pattern in almost all northern parts of the mapped area including Agri, Jigawa ba da Goshi and Bolya villages. The concentrations of heavy metals in water samples decreases in the order Cu(223μg/l) > As(75.3μg/l) > Co(28μg/l) > Ni(27.8μg/l) > Pb(14.3μg/l) > Cr(6.8μg/l) > Zn(2.008μg/l ) > Cd(1μg/l) and these are greater than the recommended no-effect values in water. The calculated daily intake of metal showed that the heavy metals portent potential human health risks in decreasing order of Cu> As >Cd. Health risk index found for these heavy metals was less than one suggesting that the consumption of such waters is safe and therefore pose no human health risks. However, the cumulative intake of such heavy metals over a long period of time may cause serious human health problems.
Abstract: An investigation on the distribution of heavy metals in some parts of Langtang South area located within the middle Benue Trough of Nigeria was carried out with the aim of determining their concentration levels for principally environmental assessment and for future mineral exploration studies. The area is characterized by four (4) lithologic forma...
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Low Level Fluoride Content in Groundwater of the Younger Granite Aquifers in Parts of Jos plateau, Nigeria
Dibal Hyeladi
,
Shem Auta Dahilo
,
Daspan Raymond
,
Lar Uriah
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 42-53
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.17
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Abstract: Fluoride content in water has received a world-wide attention due to its importance to health. This study attempts to trace the factors responsible for low fluoride levels in the aquifers of the Jos Younger Granites despite the high fluorine content in the rocks. A total of 41groundwater samples (1 mining pond, 2 hand pumps and 38 hand dug wells), 7 rock samples from the various lithological units, and 13 soil sections from two exposed locations were collected and analyzed for their fluorine content. Analysis of major cations was carried out using ICP-OES; the anions were analyzed using the UV multi-ion parameter and bicarbonates by titration method. Fluoride in underground water was determined by multi-ion parameter. Fluorine in rocks and soil were analyzed by the fusion method. The rock samples show variations in their fluorine content (Jos – Bukuru Biotite Granite 6,231, aplo-pegmatic granite-gneiss (basement rock) 4,864, Quartz-pyroxenes-fayalite porphyry 1,280, Dilimi-Biotite Granite 258 and Ngeil Biotite Granite-162 ppm). The soil sections from different locations also show variations of fluorine with depth of sampling. Cumulatively, the fluorine content in the sections and fluoride content in water do not correlate with fluorine in rock in the rock units. The low content in the two media, indicate that: 1. bulk fluorine have not been released from minerals in the host rocks and those retained in soils have not been mobilized to the groundwater. 2. Fluorine have formed complexes with other ions and occurring in compound form rather than ionic form. Apart from low fluoride in about 70% of the water samples all other parameters are within the WHO recommended limit for house hold uses. Although there are no records on the effect of low consumption of fluoride in water, inferences from the data show that most areas with low fluoride level should have dental caries.
Abstract: Fluoride content in water has received a world-wide attention due to its importance to health. This study attempts to trace the factors responsible for low fluoride levels in the aquifers of the Jos Younger Granites despite the high fluorine content in the rocks. A total of 41groundwater samples (1 mining pond, 2 hand pumps and 38 hand dug wells), ...
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Locally Made Utensils as Potential Sources of Heavy Metals Contamination of Water: A Case Study of Some Pots Made in Nigeria
Lar Uriah
,
Caleb Dungrit
,
Gusikit Rhoda
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 35-41
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.16
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Abstract: This research work was carried out to determine if locally made utensils can be the sources of water contamination by heavy metals. A reference water of known metal concentration (Distilled water) was heated for 1- 2 hours in both clay and metal pots made in different locations in Nigeria. Geochemical analysis of the heated water from the different variety of pots revealed that the major cations Al (0.109-0.79mg/l), Ca (5.011-16.43mg/l), Fe (0.042-0.178mg/l), K (0.35-2.72), Mg (0.506-2.51mg/l), and Na (1.74-4.88mg/l) have preferentially been released into the heated water displaying significantly elevated concentrations compared to that of the reference water concentrations (0.49mg/l, 6.42mg/l, 0.005mg/l,
Abstract: This research work was carried out to determine if locally made utensils can be the sources of water contamination by heavy metals. A reference water of known metal concentration (Distilled water) was heated for 1- 2 hours in both clay and metal pots made in different locations in Nigeria. Geochemical analysis of the heated water from the different...
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Application of Environmental Geochemistry Research to Public Health Issues in Nigeria
Ngozi-Chika Chiazor Stephen
,
Lar Uriah Alexander
,
Onichabo Ngozi Anthonia
,
Ozulu George Uchebike
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 30-34
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.15
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Abstract: Public health is threaten by imbalances in the distribution of chemical elements in the environment resulting from natural or/and anthropogenic activities. Of significance are toxicities resulting from anthropogenic activities such as mining, ore mineral processing, indiscriminate waste disposal, and the use of pesticides in agriculture etc. To reduce the impact of these chemical elements on the environment and their consequence human health effects, there is need for the establishment of toxicological health facility in the vicinity of the mining communities in other to minimize the problem of wrong diagnosis as often is the case. Unfortunately, modern geochemical data are rarely available for developing countries, or may be inadequate for environmental purposes, having been collected principally for mineral exploration. Geochemical surveys (ideally incorporating data for soil, stream-sediment, natural/mine dust, vegetation and water samples) are of considerable value in studies linking the environment, food and health. Geochemical maps are pointers to potential areas of chemical element deficiency or toxicity, enabling expensive veterinary or medical investigations to be better targeted. The understanding of the geochemistry of the environment is necessary for the development of sound principles, strategies, programs and approaches that will minimize public health risks. Thus, to comprehensively and extensively address the issues of public health emanating from chemical element toxicities and deficiencies, mine/natural dust associated with geologic material, mining and mineral processing, there is need for closer collaboration, synergy and partnership among the public health researchers (physicians, environmentalists, nutritionists, geochemists, botanists, biochemists, atmospheric chemists and others). On the part of public health centres, there should be enhanced and improved medical record-keeping, sources from which reliable epidemiological data about incidence, prevalence and trends in disease occurrence can be extracted. The analytical capacity of research centres should be enhanced to enable the contents of nutritional and toxic elements to be measured at the very low concentrations needed for making tangible correlations between geology and environmental health conditions.
Abstract: Public health is threaten by imbalances in the distribution of chemical elements in the environment resulting from natural or/and anthropogenic activities. Of significance are toxicities resulting from anthropogenic activities such as mining, ore mineral processing, indiscriminate waste disposal, and the use of pesticides in agriculture etc. To red...
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Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface and Ground Water in Mkpuma Akpatakpa and Environs
Wazoh Hannatu
,
Ikechukwu S. B
,
Gusikit Rhoda
,
Bala D. A.
,
Ajol Fubre
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 25-29
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 9 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.14
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Abstract: The inhabitants of Mkpuma Akpatakpa have resorted to the usage of water accumulated in the abandoned mine ponds and boreholes due to inadequate potable water within the area. Lead Zinc deposit which is typical of the Benue Trough has been mined within the area, leaving heaps of mine tailings at the site. A total of seven (7) water samples were collected and geochemically analyzed with the main objective of assessing their distribution in the waters of the study area. The results revealed the concentration of Arsenic to be high in both surface and groundwater ranging from 0.1 to 0.492mg/l. which exceeds the WHO limit for portable water. Constant exposure to Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) have shown to have cumulative effects on human health since there is no homeostatic mechanism which can operate to regulate their toxicity. Heavy metals are released into the environment by natural and anthropogenic processes and these increase their concentration, hence leading to pollution. As the populace continues to be exposed to such hazardous element in their drinking water, the health implication could be prevalent overtime if not arrested.
Abstract: The inhabitants of Mkpuma Akpatakpa have resorted to the usage of water accumulated in the abandoned mine ponds and boreholes due to inadequate potable water within the area. Lead Zinc deposit which is typical of the Benue Trough has been mined within the area, leaving heaps of mine tailings at the site. A total of seven (7) water samples were coll...
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Environmental Distribution of Fluoride in Drinking Waters of Kaltungo Area, North-Eastern Nigeria
Haruna Ahmed Isah
,
Usman Adamu Mohammed
,
Abdullahi Adamu Mohammed
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 19-24
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 9 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.13
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Abstract: This study focus on the distribution of fluoride in natural drinking water sources in Kaltungo area North-Eastern Nigeria. Forty five water samples were analyzed to determine the concentration levels of fluoride using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The result revealed that fluoride ranges from 0.52 to 4.4 mg/L in surface waters and from 0.1 to 3.95 mg/L in ground waters, while in plant tissue the fluoride content ranges from 1.2 to 1.96 mg/L. The average value of fluoride is 2.8 mg/L in both surface and ground waters. This results indicates that inhabitants of Kaltungo area at high risk of high fluoride exposure. Ingestion of high fluoride water results in manifestation of dental fluorosis in some of the inhabitants.
Abstract: This study focus on the distribution of fluoride in natural drinking water sources in Kaltungo area North-Eastern Nigeria. Forty five water samples were analyzed to determine the concentration levels of fluoride using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The result revealed that fluoride ranges from 0.52 to 4.4 mg/L in surface waters and from 0.1 to 3.9...
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Environmental Health Impact of Potentially Harmful Element Discharges from Mining Operations in Nigeria
Lar Uriah
,
Ngozi-Chika Chiazor Stephen
,
Tsuwang Kenneth
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 14-18
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.12
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Abstract: Widespread artisanal, alongside small-scale mining operations are currently increasing in intensity in Nigeria. These activities are causing immeasurable damage to the environment and populations that live in the vicinity of these mine fields. The discharges of Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) from the exposed mine-out /mineral processing sites and their subsequent remobilization into the soils, and natural water bodies constitute serious human health problems. A study aiming at understanding the extent by which these elements contaminate the soils at the vicinity of the mining operations was conducted. This study also sought to identify the possible effects on human health and how it can be best mitigated. Geochemical results suggest that the discharges of PHEs from the mining/mineral ore processing operations have contributed significantly to the enrichment of these elements in the surrounding environment, thereby contaminating drinking water sources, food crops, and are disposed to subsequent entry into the human body through the food chain. Many of the mining communities make their living from subsistence farming, growing food from the surroundings, and obtaining drinking water from nearby surface and sub-surface water resources. The direct or indirect exposure of the human population to PHEs constitutes a potential risk to human health if not monitored and abated. Reports of in-vitro bio-accessibility tests show that less than 50% of bio available heavy metal contaminants in ingested soil are bio accessible during digestion process. Thus, there is need for the reduction of bio-available PHE in the soil by ensuring that mining operations generally are done in a manner that will secure a quality of environment adequate for good health and well-being of the communities around.
Abstract: Widespread artisanal, alongside small-scale mining operations are currently increasing in intensity in Nigeria. These activities are causing immeasurable damage to the environment and populations that live in the vicinity of these mine fields. The discharges of Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) from the exposed mine-out /mineral processing sites ...
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Environmental Risk Assesment of Heavy Metals Content of Municipal Solid Waste Used as Organic Fertilizer in Vegetable Gardens on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Lar Alexander Uriah
,
Usman Shehu
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 6-2, December 2014
Pages: 1-13
Received: 29 September 2014
Accepted: 5 October 2014
Published: 25 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.11
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Abstract: This study was conducted on vegetable gardens in and around Jos on the Jos Plateau, North central Nigeria; a city which has had strong European influence as a result of a long history of tin mining activity in the area. The study seeks to assess the degree of accumulation and/or contamination of the heavy metals in compost from municipal solid waste due for application as organic fertilizer in vegetable gardens as well as the potential human health risk associated with the consumption of vegetables grown with such organic fertilizer. Three waste dumpsites in Jos and gardens were selected where vegetables cultivation (cabbage, lettuce, spinach, turnip, carrot, radish, beet root, tomato and spring onions) are practiced. The representative samples of compost material, agricultural soil and vegetables were collected and analyzed for heavy metals such as: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sb and Se. Geochemical results show that the concentrations of these elements in the compost are higher (in decreasing order of As>Cd>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr) compared to that in the soils yet to be applied the organic fertilizer. The degree of contamination of the soils and the compost, the transfer factor (TF) from the agricultural soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Results show that in general, the agricultural soils are severely contaminated by As, Cd, Zn and Pb (CF= 10-25). Other elements such as Cr, Cu and Ni have moderately contaminated the soil. All the vegetables seem to have been severely contaminated by Se and As (Se>As>Zn) and therefore are good accumulators of these toxic metals. The leafy and the root vegetables appear to be the major accumulator of Se and As respectively. The TF of As in all the different varieties of vegetables is >1, indicating that this element is readily absorbed by these plants. The HRI value for As, Pb and Zn is >1 for the all the vegetables and therefore is unsafe posing serious human health risks.
Abstract: This study was conducted on vegetable gardens in and around Jos on the Jos Plateau, North central Nigeria; a city which has had strong European influence as a result of a long history of tin mining activity in the area. The study seeks to assess the degree of accumulation and/or contamination of the heavy metals in compost from municipal solid wast...
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