Assessment of ecological and health risk impact of heavy metals contamination in stream sediments in Itapaji-Ekiti, SW Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a major environmental and health concern globally. This study assessed the ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in stream sediments in Itapaji-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. The study contributes collectively to a comprehensive understanding of the geochemical dynamics and contamination factors affecting the studied stream sediments. Heavy metals study was conducted on stream sediments within the geographical confines of sheet 244, Ado map. Seventeen stream sediment samples were obtained from various sites and subjected to analysis to determine the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The results showed that the concentrations of these metals exceeded permissible levels at most sampling sites, indicating significant contamination of the stream sediments. The concentrations and pollution levels of the heavy metals from selected sampling sites were documented for ecological and health risk evaluations. The findings revealed that the concentrations of these metals surpassed acceptable thresholds at the majority of sampling locations, indicating significant contamination of the stream sediments. The concentrations of heavy metals, specifically Cr and Cd, exhibit moderate contamination, while Pb and Ba demonstrates a significant contamination factor with moderate to extreme degree of contamination. Several ecological risk indices were calculated to evaluate the potential ecological risks. The results revealed that the stream sediments posed considerable to very high ecological risks at most sites based on the risk quotient, contamination factor and pollution load index. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments for heavy metals in stream sediments exposed potential health risks, especially for children, indicating the need for protective measures. The cumulative cancer risk, particularly for adults, raised concerns about the overall health implications of prolonged exposure to the heavy metal concentrations in the streams. The study also evaluated ecological and health risks, revealing potential risks from heavy metals. Hazard and cancer risk assessments suggested the increasing potential of heavy metals to pose health risks, particularly for inhabitants of the area.