Ecological and human health exposure risks to heavy metals in Oji River sediments: effect of abattoir and power station

Abstract

In this study, the ecological and human health exposure risks due to the effects of abattoir and power station on heavy metal input into the sediments of Oji River in Enugu State Nigeria were assessed. Heavy metals in the sediments were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Pollution of the sediments was assessed using: contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), geochemical accumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI), whereas the ecological risk was assessed using potential ecological risk index. Non-carcinogenic risks of exposure by humans to the heavy metals were assessed using hazard index. Obtained results indicate that the abattoir contributed to heavy metal input into the sediments significantly (unlike the power station) and most likely due to the use of waste tires at the abattoir as fuel. All pollution parameters (CF, CD, Igeo and PLI) reveal that pollution of the sediment with heavy metals around the abattoir is most profound and the ecological risk of heavy metals in the sediments is very high. Non-carcinogenic risk of exposure to heavy metals due to inadvertent ingestion and contact with sediments is insignificant.