Appraising groundwater quality and the associated health risks of heavy metal contamination at Suame magazine

Abstract

Suame magazine is well-known as one of the largest artisanal sites in Ghana, for which metal fabrication, vehicle repairs, and sales of spare parts are the hallmarks. Despite the increased risk of heavy metal pollution, quality of the ground water as well as the risk implications to human remains vague. Towards this shed, the present study seeks to investigate the extent of heavy metals pollution of groundwater; and the possible health risk they pose to consumers. A total of 15 groundwater samples were sampled from different boreholes and were analysed for Cd, Cr, As, Zn, Pb, and Cu concentrations. Water quality and health risk assessment indices were employed to evaluate the suitability of the water for domestic purposes. The results showed that concentrations “Cd (0.12 mg/L± 0.08) and Cr 0.11 mg/L± 0.09)” exceeded their respective standards, 0.003 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L according to the WHO recommended levels for drinking water. In addition, water quality index rated the groundwater as unfit (WQI >300) for drinking purposes. Results of health risk indices showed that ingestion of ground water could pose cancer and non-cancer risk for elements of As, Cd, and Cr to both children and adults. Noteworthily, children are at a higher risk to non-carcinogenic effects, whilst adults are relatively susceptible to carcinogenic risk. Our findings provided a scientific basis for strategies to protect human and environmental health of artisanal-based communities in Ghana.

Keywords

• Carcinogenic risk
• Health index
• Human activities
• Heavy metal pollution
• Water quality