An integrated assessment of land-use change impact, seasonal variation of pollution indices and human health risk of selected toxic elements in sediments of River Atuwara, Nigeria. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emenike, PraiseGod Chidozie; Tenebe, Imokhai Theophilus; Neris, Jordan Brizi; Omole, David Olugbenga; Afolayan, Olaniyi; Okeke, Chukwueloka Udechukwu; Emenike, Ikechukwu Kingsley
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 265(2020)Part B
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: River atuwara -- Sediment quality -- Pollution -- Compositional data analysis -- Health risk assessment -- Ecological risk; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114795
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: River sediments contain environmental fingerprints that provide useful ecological information. However, the geochemistry of River Atuwara sediments has received less attention over the years. One hundred and twenty-six sediments from 21 locations were collected over a two-season period from River Atuwara, and a detailed investigation of the land use and land cover (LULC) change between 1990 and 2019, analysis of selected toxic and potentially toxic metal(oid)s (TPTM) (Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn, Fe, Co and Al) using ICP-OES, pollution index assessment, potential source identification (using center log-transformation approach), potential ecological, and human health risk assessment were conducted. The results of the LULC change revealed that the built-up area increased by 95.58 km 2, at an average rate of 3.186 km 2 /year over the past 30 years. The mean concentration of metal(oid)s increased in the order of Cd < As < Cr < Pb < Co < Ni < Cu < Zn < Fe < Al, and Cd < As < Cr < Co < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn < Fe < Al during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, the statistical analysis of the data spectrum inferred possible contamination from lithological and anthropogenic sources. According to the pollution load index, 90.48% of the sediment samples are polluted by the metal(oid)s. Potential ecological risk assessment identified Ni, As, and Cd as problematic to the ecological community of River Atuwara. Regarding the metal-specific hazard quotient via ingestion route, the risks are in order of Co ≫ As ≫ Pb > Cr > Cd > Al > Ni > Cu > Zn > Fe for both seasons and the carcinogenic risk for children via ingestion route presented a value higher than the safe limits for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni during both seasons. This outcome highlights the need for prompt action towards the restoration of environmental quality for communities surrounding River Atuwara. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Relative bioavailability factor was used to estimate the health risk assessment. Agglomerative carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were extremely high. As, Ni, Cr and Cd are responsible for the high carcinogenic risk experienced in more than 67% of the location analysed. There is a probability of developing cancer in 1 out of 1000 children within the study region. Abstract : The ecological integrity of River Atuwara is under threat as well as the local inhabitants that rely on the river for their domestic purposes.