Heavy Metals Levels in Selected Dumpsites in Rivers State and Their Health Implications
Keywords:
Heavy metals, Carica papaya, Dump sites, and Bioaccumulation FactorAbstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in selected dump sites in Rivers State and their human health implications. Heavy metals (Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg) were analysed in the leaf, root and fruit of Carica papaya and the soil from three selected dump sites namely; Ikwerre (S.1), Oyigbo (S.2), and Eleme (S.3). A total number of seventy-two (72) samples were collected from all the sampled stations. Samples were analysed following standard methods using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).The results showed that, the mean concentration(mg/kg) of the heavy metals in all the sampling stations were significantly different (P<0.05).S.3 showed the highest levels of metals; Mn(47.15mg/kg), Cd(7.79mg/kg),Pb (6.66mg/kg),Cr(3.57mg/kg) followed by S.1; Mn(38.38mg/kg),Pb (6.50mg/kg),Cr(3.57mg/kg), Cd(0.25mg/kg) and S.2; Mn(32.72mg/kg),Pb (8.20mg/kg),Cr(2.06mg/kg),Cd(0.08mg/kg). Mercury was not found in all the sampled stations. Further calculations, using Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC) showed that, Cd in the leaf, from S.1 and S.2, had bio-accumulative potential of >1, while other metals showed no bio-accumulative potentials(<1) in the leaf, root and fruit across the stations. The above results, is an indication that, the selected dump sites showed high levels of heavy metals and bio-accumulative potentials especially Cd. Hence, consumption of Carica papaya from this study area should be discouraged.
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