Accumulation and health effects of endocrine disrupting metals in ground and surface water in Lagos and Ogun, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Endocrine disrupting metals (EDMs) pose serious health challenges like goiter, diabetes, poor libido/irregular menstrual cycles and abnormal weight distribution. Studies have revealed that pollution of water sources has elevated levels of EDMs. 324 ground and surface water samples were collected from selected urban locations in Lagos and Ogun States. Sampling was done to cover both rain and dry seasons. The instrument used was hazardous effects of metals in water questionnaire (HEMWQ), pH meter and atomic absorption spectrophotometer were the laboratory equipment used. Health risk assessment was done using the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model. Spatial pattern and seasonal variation affect the concentration of EDMs in the study locations. The values for ground water during the rain and dry season (µg/L) for cadmium and lead ranged from not detected to 2.17 ± 2.22 and 0.33 ± 0.82 to 23.33 ± 36.70. Thus, surface water values (µg/L) are 0.33 ± 0.82 to 16.67 ± 25.82 (cadmium), and 0.50 ± 1.22 to 20.00 ± 31.62 (lead) respectively. The health risk index (HRI) of cadmium and lead in the sample locations for children and adults are less than the threshold value of 1. Continuous monitoring of endocrine disrupting metal to identify pollution sources is recommended.