Adverse health effects of heavy metal pollution in the Enugu Area, Southeastern Nigeria
1 Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Treatment Care and Support, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Lokoja, Nigeria.
3 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wisconsin International University College, Accra Ghana.
4 Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University.
5 College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
6 Department of Hydrogeological Engineering, University of Miskolc, Hungary.
7 Department of Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(03), 248–258.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.3.0974
Publication history:
Received on 22 October 2024; revised on 04 December 2024; accepted on 07 December 2024
Abstract:
Heavy metal pollution in Southeastern Nigeria’s Enugu area presents a severe environmental and public health hazard, with specific locations such as Emene Industrial Area, Ngwo Mechanic Village, and Abakpa experiencing particularly high contamination levels. The primary contaminants—lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and chromium—originate from industrial operations, mining activities, and unregulated waste disposal. In Emene Industrial Area, soil and water samples reveal arsenic and manganese levels significantly above safety thresholds, impacting local residents, especially children and pregnant women. Ngwo Mechanic Village exhibits dangerously high concentrations of lead and chromium due to persistent automobile emissions and industrial effluents, leading to respiratory and neurological health risks for workers and nearby communities. Additionally, agricultural zones like Abakpa are impacted by cadmium from fertilizers, resulting in contamination of crops and local water sources, which poses long-term health risks to consumers. This review examines the sources, pathways, and adverse health effects of heavy metal pollution across these high-risk locations in Enugu, while also recommending mitigation strategies, including stricter environmental regulations, sustainable agricultural practices, and community education to reduce exposure and protect public health.
Keywords:
heavy metal pollution; Emene Industrial Area; Ngwo Mechanic Village; Abakpa; Enugu; health effects; environmental remediation
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