Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals on Five Aquatic Biotics in Isaka and Marine Base Creeks in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pollution of the environment with toxic metals can lead to the possible contamination of aquatic biotics. Evaluation of the levels of As, Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb in five aquatic biotics (fish, periwinkle, crab, oyster, prawn), collected from two selected creeks in Rivers State, was done and their health risk estimated. Mean concentrations of 0.001±0.00mg/kg in As and Cd, and 0.0005±0.00mg/kg in Hg were observed in the five aquatic biotics of both creeks. Mn has varying concentrations of 0.99±0.02mg/kg, 11.92±0.02mg/kg, 11.293±0.03mg/kg, 8.527±0.01mg/kg, and 3.140±0.02mg/kg in fish, periwinkle, crab, oyster, and prawn respectively in Isaka creek; while that of Marine Base was 10.107±0.001mg/kg, 0.669±0.00mg/kg, 15.758±0.00mg/kg, 7.012±0.00mg/kg, and 5.098±0.00mg/kg. Pb equally has varying concentrations of 0.01±0.00mg/kg, 0.0074±0.00mg/kg, 0.012±0.0mg/kg, 0.012±0.00mg/kg, and 0.001±0.00mg/kg in fish, periwinkle, crab, oyster, and prawn respectively in Isaka creek and 0.873±0.002mg/kg, 0.001±0.00mg/kg, 0.02±0.00mg/kg, 0.012±0.00mg/kg, 0.001±0.00mg/kg in Marine Base Creek. The cumulative Hazard Quotient or Chronic Hazard Index of the toxic metals in the various biotics indicated significant risk of non- carcinogenic effect on humans upon consumption. The Total Cancer Risk values of metals in the biotics were within the various acceptable limit as such there was no risk of cancer. However, there is the need of creating awareness on the existence of these toxic metals in the biotics of both creeks, and the public health implications. Laws be enacted by policy makers on the need to prevent environmental pollution through the help of the community leaders to guarantee that aquatic biotics are safe for human consumption and avoid damages to human health through community education and policy implementation strategies.

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