Frequency of electronics-waste generated heavy metals in urban waterways

Adeniyi, T.D.; Achukwu, P.U.; Abubakar, A.A.

doi:10.22034/ijhcum.2017.02.02.001

Frequency of electronics-waste generated heavy metals in urban waterways

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijhcum.2017.02.02.001

Volume 2, Issue 2
Spring 2017

Pages 89-100

International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management

Document Type : ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Authors

T.D. Adeniyi ¹

P.U. Achukwu ²

A.A. Abubakar ¹

¹ Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria

² Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals are one of the dreadful environmental pollutants. Its toxicity is a menace to the ecosystem and has attracted global concern over the decades. The attendant uncontrolled disposal and recycling of electronic-waste (e-waste) has greatly influence the elevated concentration of heavy metals observed in Nigeria waterways. This study was carried out to investigate the frequency of the deadly heavy metals as part of public health intervention. The study was a cross sectional design in which waterways from the three geographical zones of Kwara State, Nigeria were sampled by integrated composite method and analyzed for physical and chemical parameters during the dry and rainy season. High frequency of e-waste generated heavy metals in the waterways was observed with respect to influence of settlement, geographical zones and seasonal variation in the study area. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed showed a decreasing trend in their quantity as Cr ˃ Cd ˃ Pb ˃ Hg in both seasons. Statistically, no significant difference in densities of Lead, Mercury and Chromium with respect to season (P cal = 0.482 in chromium, P cal = 0.067 in Lead, P cal = 0.146 in Mercury, P > 0.05). However, there was significant difference in frequency of Cadmium by season (P cal = 0.001, P ˂ 0.05). Assessment of the findings with respect to geographical zone revealed a significant difference in the mean distribution of Chromium during both seasons. Heavy metals were also recorded to be higher in the urban areas than the rural areas.

Keywords

Electronic-waste

heavy metals

Kwara State toxicity

Waterways

Subjects

Urban management and public health

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