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Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Sediments along Selected Rivers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, South-South, Nigeria
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Researchers tested river sediment from three creeks in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for heavy metals attached to microplastics. Metal levels, especially nickel, chromium, and iron, were higher in the dry season and exceeded guideline limits, with calculations suggesting possible cancer and non-cancer health risks from touching or ingesting the contaminated sediment, particularly for children.
This study investigates the health risks associated with heavy metals adsorbed onto microplastics in sediments (MCPS) in the brackish water estuaries of Woji, Elelenwo, and Okujagu Creeks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Monthly sediment samples were collected following standard procedures from December 2020 to May 2021, and the levels of metals including Ni, Cr, Fe, and Hg were analysed via GBC Avanta PM A6600 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) for their potential health impacts on humans, particularly through ingestion and dermal contact. Results show that during the dry season, the concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Fe in microplastic-associated sediment (MCPS) were significantly (P< 0.05) higher compared to the wet season, with concentrations exceeding sediment quality guidelines. The risk assessment revealed non-carcinogenic health risks, particularly for children, with Hazard Quotients (HQ) above 1 for Fe and Hg, indicating significant exposure. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILTCR) for Ni and Cr exceeded the threshold of 1.0E-06, suggesting potential long-term cancer risks due to chronic exposure. Ingestion and dermal contact with contaminated sediment were the primary exposure pathways for heavy metals. The seasonal variations highlighted that the dry season presented higher contamination levels, leading to greater health risks, while the wet season diluted the contaminants, reducing the potential risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for better waste management practices along these creeks, to mitigate the health risks posed by heavy metal contamination in microplastics. This study focuses on the environmental and public health challenges facing communities near polluted water bodies in the Niger Delta, particularly in Port Harcourt.
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Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Sediments, a case study of selected Rivers, South-South, Nigeria
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Researchers tested sediment from three creeks near Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for heavy metals attached to microplastics. Metal levels, especially iron, chromium and nickel, were higher in the dry season and exceeded safety guidelines, with calculations suggesting possible long-term health risks, particularly for children, through contact with or swallowing contaminated sediment.
Integrated Ecological Pollution Impact of Selected Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Sediments, Rivers State, Nigeria
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Researchers measured heavy metals stuck to microplastics in river sediments from three creeks in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, across wet and dry seasons. Mercury and copper posed the greatest ecological risk, especially at Woji and Okujagu creeks during the dry season, while Elelenwo creek generally had the lowest metal levels.
Assessing Health and Safety Risk of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Surface Water of Otuoke, Niger Delta, Nigeria
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Researchers measured heavy metals attached to microplastics in surface water from the Otuoke River in Nigeria during dry and wet seasons. Metal levels were higher in the dry season, and health risk calculations showed children faced greater potential risk than adults, with significant risk indicated for children during the dry season.
Evaluating Ecosystem Pollution Indices of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Surface Water, South-South, Nigeria
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Scientists tested tiny plastic bits from Nigerian creek water and found they carry low levels of heavy metals like copper and nickel, with higher amounts during dry seasons. The good news: overall contamination and health risk levels were low, though scientists say they should keep watching for pollution from cities and industry, since microplastics can carry pollutants into water we use and fish we eat.
Occurrence and Health Implications of Heavy Metals in Microplastics from Otuoke Surface Waters
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Microplastics collected from surface waters in Otuoke, Nigeria were analyzed for adsorbed heavy metals, with health risk assessments indicating that consumption of contaminated aquatic organisms could pose risks to local populations from metal-laden plastic particles.
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