Potential Health Risk and Levels of Heavy Metals in Water Resources of Lead-Zinc Mining Communities of Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria

    July 2020 in “ Applied Water Science ”
    P. N. Obasi, Bennard Benedict Akudinobi
    TLDR Water near Abakaliki mines has high toxic metal levels, posing health risks.
    The study assessed heavy metal levels in water resources of lead–zinc mining communities in Abakaliki, Nigeria, analyzing 106 water samples. It found high concentrations of toxic metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, exceeding WHO standards, particularly in groundwater near active mines. These metals posed health risks, potentially causing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, arsenicosis, hair loss, and mental imbalance. Seasonal variations showed lower metal concentrations during the rainy season. The study advocated for alternative water sources and increased awareness of health risks in these communities.
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