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VOL. 10, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Analysis of heavy metals in selected dumpsites of okene metropolis: An integrated environmental and health risk assessment
Authors
Umar Abdulmumuni
Abstract
This study presents an original investigation into the concentration, spatial
distribution, and associated environmental and human health risks of heavy
metals in surface soils from ten active dumpsites within Okene Metropolis, Kogi
State, Nigeria. Soil samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu),
nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) using
atomic absorption spectrophotometry following aqua regia digestion.
Concentrations varied significantly across sites, with Zn reaching up to 887.4
mg/kg at site UH and Cd exceeding the WHO screening threshold (3 mg/kg) at
multiple locations. Geochemical indices—including the Geoaccumulation Index
(Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Pollution Load
Index (PLI)—indicated moderate to strong contamination, particularly for Cd and
Zn. Human health risk assessment revealed that children are at elevated
non-carcinogenic risk via soil ingestion, with Hazard Index (HI) values
exceeding 1.0 at four sites (maximum HI = 2.8). Incremental Lifetime Cancer
Risk (ILCR) for Cr(VI) ranged from 1.2×10⁻⁴ to 4.6×10⁻⁴—above the acceptable
limit of 1×10⁻⁴ set by the USEPA. These findings confirm that unregulated
dumping practices have led to significant soil pollution, posing both
ecological and public health threats. Immediate remediation, policy enforcement,
and transition to engineered waste management systems are strongly recommended.
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Pages:58-61
How to cite this article:
Umar Abdulmumuni "Analysis of heavy metals in selected dumpsites of okene metropolis: An integrated environmental and health risk assessment". International Journal of Advanced Research and Development, Vol 10, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 58-61
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