Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinoginic Health Risk Assessment of Organic and Inorganic Contaminants within Three Major Metropolies in Enugu

Abstract

This study assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks and within three major metropolis in Enugu, namely Abakpa, Emena, and Independence Layout by analyzing 60 water samples. Phthalate and PAHs organic contaminants, which is linked mostly to plastics and cosmetics at refuse dumps as well as open waste burning, oil spills and underground tank leakage, were most predominant in most of the analyzed water samples collected from the three settlement areas. Leaching of these domestic and commercial wastes could also be responsible for the high BPA values recorded in some groundwater samples in Abakpa and Independence Layout. Boracol and TOH contaminated groundwater is more severe in Emene and Independence Layout.  High concentration values of Total kjheldhal were observed in some water samples in Emene and Independence Layout, with sewage and failing septic tank as the major sources. HQ dermal values calculated for all the analyzed water samples in the three settlement areas were within acceptable limits. However, HQ oral values obtained for some of the samples exceeded the approved threshold values indicating that water consumers are more likely to contract non-cancer related ailment through drinking of contaminated water than through skin contact. Moreover, more samples had HI oral values that exceeded the allowable limit when compared to HI dermal values.   ILCR values obtained for more than 75% of all the analyzed samples in the three settlement area exceeded the allowable limit of 0.000001-0.0001 indicating a high risk of contracting cancer from groundwater consumption in the areas. As and Mn poses the greatest threat of cancer related diseases in the settlement areas. The simulation results showed that plume movement was from northwest to east/northeast. It was also inferred that the overall groundwater flow gradient is easterly, which is approximately same with the contaminant particle movement.

Keywords: Carcinogenic, Enugu metropolis, Health risk, plume movement, Water Quality

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-4-05

Publication date:June 30^th 2023