Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Rainwater Quality in Lagos State: A Geoaccumulation Index Approach
Abstract
This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals and environmental pollutants in Lagos State, Nigeria, focusing on airborne particles and rainwater contamination. The gravitational settling method was employed to collect airborne particles over a nine-month period, from January to September 2023, using funnels and clean containers placed at various sub-locations within the state. The collected sediments were analyzed in a laboratory using spectroscopic techniques. The following heavy metals and elements were examined: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), ammonia (NH3), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), chloride (Cl), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), nitrite (NO_2^-), nitrate NO_3^-, and fluoride (F). In addition, salinity and conductivity of the rainwater samples were analyzed. The results were compiled, averaged across the sub-locations, and generalized for the entire state, with a geoaccumulation index computed to assess contamination levels. The study found that pollutants such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), nitrite (NO_2^-), nitrate (NO_3^-), and fluoride (F) reflected a clean or natural environment (Class 0) in terms of contamination. However, salinity levels were found to be a concern, indicating moderate to heavy contamination, which could affect environmental and ecological health. Nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were classified as Class 2, indicating moderate contamination. The geoaccumulation index for arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), ammonia (NH3), and chloride (Cl) could not be computed due to low detection limits. These findings emphasize the importance of continued environmental monitoring in Lagos, particularly with regard to manganese, nickel, lead, and salinity, to ensure the protection of public and ecological health.
Keywords
Particulate matters, sources of PM, effects of PM, Healthy life expectancy, Life expectancy, Air Quality Index, Toxic elements and metals, casinogenic elements, enrichment factor, Hazard Quotient, Geoaccumulation index.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Ekah, B. J. , Ekong, I. B.; Azogor W. E , Akwagiobe J. U; Ekechukwu, C. C. , Uda, C. N.; Ewona, I.O , Udo, S. O.; Rabiu, B.
"Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Rainwater Quality in Lagos State: A Geoaccumulation Index Approach" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 5 2024 Page 898-907
IEEE:
Ekah, B. J. , Ekong, I. B.; Azogor W. E , Akwagiobe J. U; Ekechukwu, C. C. , Uda, C. N.; Ewona, I.O , Udo, S. O.; Rabiu, B.
"Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Rainwater Quality in Lagos State: A Geoaccumulation Index Approach" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(5)
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