Environmental and Human Health Risks of Lead Accumulation in Soil Samples from Solid Waste Dumpsites within Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The environmental risks associated with heavy metal pollutions are becoming worrisome. Hence, this study evaluated the environmental and human health risks of lead (Pb) accumulation in soil samples from solid waste dumpsites within Abuja, Nigeria. Soil samples (n=72) were collected (0-45 cm depth) from Abaji, Bwari, Gosa, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali dumpsites and 2 km away (control), and then analyzed for Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The risks of Pb contaminations were then evaluated in soils and in individuals (Children and Adults) via inhalation and dermal contacts with soil using ecological and health risk equations. Pb concentrations in the dumpsites were below the permissible limits set by environmental protection agencies and were highest in Kuje dumpsite and lowest in Abaji dumpsite. The ecological pollution indices ranged from ‘low risks’ (at Bwari, Gosa, Gwagwalada dumpsites) to ‘very contamination risks’ (at Kuje and Kwali dumpsites). Daily dose for Pb via dermal contact pathways were higher and no significant lifetime health (non-carcer and cancer) risks were observed suggesting that inhalation and dermal routes pose very low health risk of Pb poisoning in both children (≤ 15 years) and adults (≤ 70 years). This study suggests that the concentration of Pb in the study dumpsites might cause more ecological risks than health hazards in exposed individuals via inhalation and dermal pathways.