Evaluating the potential health risks of heavy metal pollution in sediment and selected benthic fauna of Benin River, Southern Nigeria

• DOI: 10.1007/s13201-018-0873-9
• Publication Date: 2018-11-15T19:05:55Z
• Authors: Alex Enuneku; Osaretin Omoruyi; Isioma Tongo; Emmanuel Ogbomida; Ozekeke Ogbeide; Lawrence Ezemonye
• Keywords: Hazard quotient

The potential ecological and human health risk of heavy metal pollution in sediment Benthic Fauna (Chrysichthys auratus Tympanotonus fuscatus) Benin River, Southern Nigeria, was evaluated. Three sampling sites associated with anthropogenic activities along the course river were sampled. Heavy metals concentrations determined samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Model 210 VGP, Buck Scientific). In all samples, only Pb exceeded threshold/probable effect level (TEL). Very high contamination degrees (CD > 24) 181.74, 50.11, 101.96) for stations 1, 2, 3, respectively, observed indicating serious pollution. Geoaccumulation index (igeo) showed slight Cd severely to extremely polluted Fe across stations. exhibited moderate individual ( $$E_{\text{r}}^{i}$$ ), other low . Potential (RI) sediment. Human assessment Co, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni C. T. fuscatus indicated no obvious from these over a lifetime exposure. However, hazard quotient (HQ) values significant risk. (HI) both 1 adverse non-carcinogenic effect. Therefore, consumption contaminated fish shellfish by people Koko portends risks public. industries operating this community should adopt more sustainable eco-innovative management options order attenuate