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VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 (2023)
Ecological and Human Health Impacts of Oil Spill-Induced Heavy Metal Contamination in the Niger Delta Environment, Nigeria: Post-Remedial Assessment, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies
Authors
Smile Daniel George, Nurudeen Onomhoale Ahmed, Luqman Jibril Yunusa, Samson Senbore, Elishama B Yomi-Agbajor
Abstract
The
Niger Delta region, nestled along the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria, presents a
complex interplay of ecological and human health challenges stemming from
recurring oil spill incidents and the subsequent release of heavy metals into
local ecosystems. This study delves into the intricacies of this issue,
offering a thorough assessment of post-remedial ecological and human health
risks of heavy metal contamination from oil spills in the Niger Delta. The
total mean concentrations of Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc
(Zn) from ninety-six (96) soils and forty-eight (48) plants samples were
evaluated over two seasons for ecological and human health risks of heavy metal
pollutants from remediated sites at Aluu, Eziorsu and Owaza in Rivers, Imo, and
Abia states respectively. The Ecological Risk Assessment employed the
evaluation of different indices, which include the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo),
Index of Ecological Risk Factor (Eri) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI)
for the surface and sub-surface soil samples during the wet and dry seasons.
The Human Health Risk Assessment evaluated the seasonal Average Daily Intake
(ADI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and the Carcinogenic Risk of
exposure to heavy metals in the soils and plants. From the results, the Igeo
categorizes the contamination within safe limits at the zero category. The Eri
and RI report values below 1, indicating deficient risk levels, emphasizing
minimal ecological concerns. However, the ADI values indicate < 30% being
< 1, while > 70 % being > 8.115, showing many samples exhibit high
toxicity risk, with Cu recording the highest values and the Eziorsu site
reporting peaks. ADI and HQ values for metal exposure display a considerable
risk at Aluu and Owaza, with Pb values of up to 146.77 and 0.964, respectively;
in contrast, plant exposure to heavy metals presents safe levels. The HI in
soil were all above 100, indicating high human health risk, plant exposure
through stems and leaves also reveals potential health hazards, with some sites
exceeding safe levels. Regarding carcinogenic risk, Pb and Cr exposure poses a
low probability of cancer from plant exposure. However, soil exposure exceeds
the USEPA stipulated range of 10-6 to 10-4, warranting attention. Overall, the
study's insights underscore the importance of comprehensive post-remediation
measures to safeguard the environment and human health.
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Pages:24-42
How to cite this article:
Smile Daniel George, Nurudeen Onomhoale Ahmed, Luqman Jibril Yunusa, Samson Senbore, Elishama B Yomi-Agbajor "Ecological and Human Health Impacts of Oil Spill-Induced Heavy Metal Contamination in the Niger Delta Environment, Nigeria: Post-Remedial Assessment, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 5, Issue 3, 2023, Pages 24-42
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