Health risk assessment on humans by contamination of heavy metals in some edible crops and fish at Galena mining area of Nahuta, Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work investigated the human health risk effects of heavy metal contamination at Galena mining area. 10 elements were identified in both irrigated and wet season edible crops and fish were collected from five sampling locations at Galena mining area. Wet season crops held higher concentrations of heavy metals than irrigated crops. Study showed carcinogenic heavy metals Pb (1.42 E +08), Cd (1.36 E +14), Cr (1.31E – 07), As (3.92 E -06), Co (9.42E + 12), Cd (1.36 E +14) while non-carcinogenic heavy metals exposure showed assessment of health risk which indicated three major exposure pathways for people: ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation for non-carcinogenic while carcinogenic metals were exposure through ingestion and inhalation only. HI and HQ levels are < 1 indicating health risks of heavy metals in crops and fish, while carcinogenic Pb showed higher HI through ingestion by children and adults exposure. In this study, the routes of heavy metals exposure especially Pb as the major constituent element of galena was greater than 1.0 indicating higher health risks hence adequate diagnosis should be upheld in the area. Key words: Galena, heavy metal, carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic, health risk