Assessment of probable health risk of potentially toxic metals in irrigable wetland soils from Ogun and Lagos States, Southwestern Nigeria

The present study aimed at investigating the probable health risk associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in irrigable wetland soils from Ogun and Lagos states, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 36 composite soil samples were collected from twelve monitoring sites and analyzed for potentially toxic metals cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. PTM data underwent inferential and descriptive statistical analysis using IBM SPSS. Health risk indices were assessed for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) using the standard method. Ecological and pollution risks were also assessed. Fe (1465±977 to 47,785±12,049 mg kg−1) was the most abundant metal observed in irrigable wetland soils. The distribution pattern of PTMs in irrigable wetland soils followed the decreasing order of Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. The pollution index risk indicated values greater than 1.0 for Cd (2.43–133), Zn (1.60–6.32), Cu (1.49–5.89), and Pb (1.15–2.94). Cadmium indicated a considerable ecological risk index (4002), a moderate-to-high pollution level according to the Nemerov integrated pollution index (12.33), and a very high enrichment factor (14.1–227). The HQs of PTMs were generally less than 1.0 for adults, while a HI greater than 1.0 was observed for children. The CRs exceeding the threshold limit of 1.0 × 10−4 were observed for Co, Cd, Cr, and Ni at one or more sampling sites in the wetland soils exposed to by adults and children. In this study, the irrigated wetland soils showed high ecological, pollution, and carcinogenic risks of Cd, particularly at the Odo Aro monitoring site. The findings from the study could offer a theoretical basis and data support for pollution monitoring, assessment, and control in the study area.