Abstract:

Human health risk of some heavy metals in a rural spring, Southeast Nigeria was assessed between January and June 2017 in 3 stations to determine its suitability for human consumption. Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) were assessed by evaluating the chronic daily intake (CDI), the hazard quotient (HQ) to determine the hazard indices (HI) in the stations. The heavy metals considered exceeded the standards set by Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality and World Health Organisation. Health risk assessment for all the sites indicated that there is no particularly dangerous single heavy metal, but their cumulative effect, indicated by the hazard index (HI) calls for concern. Hazard Index (HI) for all the stations highly exceeded threshold value (1). This concern is for both adults and children exposed to the spring water through ingestion. The heavy metal contamination observed was of geogenic source and more difficult to manage.