Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (Jun 2023)
Human health hazard implications of heavy metals concentration in swimming crab (Callinectes amnicola) from polluted creeks in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
The research aimed to examine the risk to human health from heavy metal (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As) accumulation in the tissues of swimming crabs collected from three stations along the Isaka-Bundu creek between January and June 2021. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Sigma-Aldrich certified reference materials (CRMs) was used for analysis and results showed that metals across the stations; Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > As > Cd were within the PMTDI by JECFA, except for iron (Fe) which exceeded both in children and adults. THQ for Zn, Fe, and Cu, were more significant in children than adults, whereas Cd, Pb, and As were higher in adults but remained below within the acceptable range (HQ ≤ 1). The THQ for individual metals were all 1, indicating potent for a non-carcinogenic health risks of C. amnicola consumption. Furthermore, the hazard index (HI > 1) indicated probable adverse health effects that may pose a non-carcinogenic risk to adults and children who consume these crabs. The CR values for these three heavy metals in adults were in the following order As > Cd > Pb in Isaka, As > Pb > Cd in Bundu-Ama, and As > Cd > Pb Dockyard. The cancer risk values for As, Cd, and Pb were below the USEPA (2005) tolerable risk range of 1 × 10 −6 to 1 × 10−4 in all the locations, but the population consuming this shellfish may be at high risk of developing cancer from combined heavy metal exposure if not regulated. These findings will help in developing preventive programs for a polluted river. These findings will likely serve as a foundation for developing preventative and curative programs for a polluted river by continuously monitor and assess the levels of heavy metals in the river and the tissues of shellfish in the area.
