Trace Metal Contamination Characteristics and Health Risks Assessment of Commelina africana L. and Psammitic Sandflats in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Files
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
Description
The purpose of this study was to investigate and quantify trace metal concentrations in Commelina africana L. and psammitic
sandflats from an intertidal coastal ecosystem in Niger Delta, Nigeria, and to evaluate their spatial distribution, degree of
contamination, and source apportionment.The environmental risks associated with soil contamination were elaborately assessed
using potential ecological risk index, sediment quality guidelines, and enrichment relative to background levels. The mean
concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sandflat soil samples are 0.76 ± 9.0 × 10−2, 7.39 ± 8.7 × 10−1, 2.28 ± 0.35,
0.024 ± 4.0 × 10−3, and 74.51 ± 2.55mg/kg, respectively. Metal levels indicate strong variability with sampling sites. The order
of trace metal concentrations in the Commelina africana L. samples is Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd.The concentrations varied with
the sample locations; and the levels of Pb (0.05 to 0.08mg/kg) at all locations are found to be significantly below permissible level
of 0.3mg/kg. Potential sources of metal loadings may be associated with localised or diffused anthropogenic activities.The average
carcinogenic risks are below 1.0 × 10−6 threshold values, and the sandflat soils are not considered to pose significant health effects
to children and adult males and females. However, the carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity risks ranking decrease following the
order children > adult males > adult females. Comparatively, the hazard quotient and hazard index indicate that the psammitic
sandflats might pose a health risk to children in future.
Keywords
QD Chemistry