| Popis: |
Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment is a serious concern, particularly in natural resource-dependent countries. In most coastal communities in these countries, drinking water quality, stable food, and livelihoods are primarily dependent on ecological systems and marine resources (e.g., sediments and fish), thus humans and other receptors are exposed to heavy metal risks through ingestion and dermal contact. This research evaluated the potential ecological risks of heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediments, and shellfishes (C. amnicola, U. tangeri, T. fuscatus, P. monodon) along the Oproama creeks in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured in three stations within the waterways using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and their relative ecological and human health risk analysed. Health risk evaluation of individual heavy metals in shellfish tissue indicates an adverse health impact. The high mean carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values of Cd (3.74), Pb (4.3), and Cr (8.4) recorded in the shellfish were significantly greater than 1, while the degree of contamination in the sediment (110.84) and water (60.15) were greater than 24 which is an indication of potential adverse ecological and human health impacts for different age groups and residents in the area. This establishes a significant possibility of heavy metal risks to public health, water quality and marine organisms. While in-depth health analysis is recommended, there is an urgent need to reduce oil spills, and an intentional provision of sustainable livelihoods to the local population. |
