Exposure hazards of As in semi-urban rivers of Anambra, South-East Nigeria: Concentrations, source apportionments, health risks, and irrigation quality assessments
Christian Chukwuemeka Oli,
Chideraa Courage Offor,
Emeka Christian Ezeudu,
Chinecherem Lilian Muotanya
Affiliations
Christian Chukwuemeka Oli
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Faculty of Physical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Chideraa Courage Offor
Corresponding author.; Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Faculty of Physical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Emeka Christian Ezeudu
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Faculty of Physical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Chinecherem Lilian Muotanya
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Faculty of Physical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
The assessment of As and other water quality parameters (Fe, Mn, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, NO3−, BOD, EC, TSS, TDS, and turbidity) in the four rivers of Anambra State, Nigeria, was carried out in order to ascertain their human health risks. The results showed that As and Fe (mg/L) ranged from 0.00 to 1.39 and 0.10 to 0.26 respectively (September) and from 0.06 to 0.98 and 0.07 to 0.29 in October. As concentrations in the rivers followed the order: Obibia > Mmiri-Ukwaka > Ovia > Mmiri-Eze, and were all above the WHO permissible limit (0.01 mg/L). Ovia, Obibia, and Mmiri-Ukwaka Rivers had WAWQI >100, indicating unsafe water. As had HQing > 1 in all the rivers except in Mmiri-Eze. The strong positive correlation between As and Fe suggest their geogenic origin; hence these rivers should be treated with activated carbon before consumption.
