Potential Health Risk Assessment of Dumpsite Soil of Nwangele River in Amaigbo, Imo State

Human health is seriously endangered by heavy metals, particularly when they are found in water supplies. A large number of people living around Nwangele River depend on surface water for a variety of needs, including drinking, cooking, and washing. These population are in seriously danger of heavy metal contamination from the surface water due to the solid waste disposal site's close proximity. The surrounding environment may suffer if heavy metals are found in water bodies. It may have an effect on aquatic life, upset the balance of the food chain, and have permanent ecological repercussions. Therefore, determining the heavy metal concentrations in the surface water close to the location of the dumpsite will help lessen the effects on the ecosystem through proper treatment. The study therefore evaluates the potential health risk of siting a dumpsite close to Nwangele River in Amaigbo, Imo state, Nigeria. The heavy metal levels in the soil and water samples were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), which was following by a physicochemical analysis of both samples. The potential health risk of these metals were determined using the hazard quotient (HQ), lifetime cancer Risk (LCR), and lifetime average daily dose (LADD). It was observed that iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were numerically high but were of non-carcinogenic risk when compared to WHO regulatory limits. On other hand, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) which appeared to be numerically low exceeded the WHO permissive limits for metals in soil and were of carcinogenic risk. The proximity to the dumpsite appears to significantly influence on the concentrations of heavy metals in the surface water. Downstream points, particularly in Okumpi and Onuezuze, consistently showed higher levels of lead, cadmium, and nickel, with corresponding increases in LADD, HQ, and LCR values. These findings suggest that the waste disposal site may be contributing to the contamination of the water sources, posing a carcinogenic health risk, particularly in downstream areas where heavy metals have accumulated to higher levels. Therefore, regular monitoring and potential remediative measures may be necessary to protect public health and mitigate the risks of prolonged exposure to these contaminants.