Implications of human exposure to potentially harmful elements from abandoned mine ponds around Barkin-Ladi, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the suitability of mine ponds for drinking and their potential risks on human health in Barkin-Ladi, Nigeria. Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) and radionuclides were analyzed in 20 mine ponds by use of inductive plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA). Cobalt concentration in the ponds was within the World Health Organization (WHO) allowable limit for drinking water. Lead, arsenic, chromium and uranium concentrations exceeded the WHO allowable limit for drinking water. Chromium and cobalt showed positive loadings in factor 1, with a total variance of 31.12% while lead and arsenic showed positive loadings in factor 2, with a total variance of 26.40%. The presence of virtually all the PHEs and radionuclides above their desirable limits for drinking water in these sampled ponds impaired their quality for drinking purpose. Continuous use of these ponds could lead to incidences of chemical poisoning, cancers and gastro-intestinal diseases among the inhabitants of this community. However, it is advisable that the inhabitants should seek an alternative source of water supply such as groundwater or supply from the Municipality.

Keywords:

• cancers
• human health
• ponds
• potentially harmful elements
• variance