Human and ecological risk assessments of potentially toxic elements in sediments around a pharmaceutical industry
Hussein K. Okoro,
Muyiwa M. Orosun,
Salman A. Umar,
Khursheed Muzammil,
Clement O. Ogunkunle,
Kingsley O. Iwuozor,
Ebuka Chizitere Emenike,
Saiful Islam,
Jane C. Ngila,
Caliphs Zvinowanda
Affiliations
Hussein K. Okoro
Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Corresponding author. 2.
Muyiwa M. Orosun
Department of Physics, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Corresponding author. 1.
Salman A. Umar
Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
Khursheed Muzammil
Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait Campus, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Clement O. Ogunkunle
Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Kingsley O. Iwuozor
Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
Environmental-Analytical & Material Research Group, Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
Saiful Islam
Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
Jane C. Ngila
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Caliphs Zvinowanda
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediment can be highly hazardous to the environment and public health. This study aimed to assess the human and ecological risks of PTEs in sediments around a pharmaceutical industry in Ilorin, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters and the concentrations of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni) were analyzed in sediment samples collected from seven locations in the wet and dry seasons. Standard two-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) and risk assessments were also conducted. The concentrations of Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd, and As in the sediments ranged from 0.001 to 0.031 mg/kg, 0–0.005 mg/kg, 0.005–0.012 mg/kg, 0.001–0.014 mg/kg, 0.005–0.024 mg/kg, and 0.001–0.012 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentrations of the total PTEs content were found in decreasing order of concentration: Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr > As > Co. PCA showed that some of the PTEs were highly concentrated in samples obtained at other locations as well as at the discharge point. The Hazard Index was mostly <1 across locations, indicating little to no probable non-cancerous effect. However, the incremental lifetime cancer risk for arsenic and nickel was high and required attention. The ecological risk assessment showed that lead and arsenic were the major PTEs pollutants in all locations. The study identifies PTEs profiles in sediments and emphasises the necessity of continual monitoring and action to stop long-term negative impacts on the local environment and public health.
