HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL QUALITY OF SURFACE WATER...........

Water quality is a significant environmental predictor of improved health, productivity, and economic development. Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, levels of As, Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cu were evaluated in water and soil samples from eleven settlements in Bibiani and its environs. With the exception of colour and turbidity, the results for most of the physiochemical parameters tested were below the WHO permitted limits. Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in water were below detection, but As concentrations ranged from 0.006 to 0.047 mg/l, and Fe concentrations were below detection at 2.00 mg/l. Pamuso had the highest As concentration of 0.480 mg/l, while Pataboso had the lowest concentration of 0.006 mg/l. Two localities had Fe levels that were over the WHO limit, while Cu levels were under the WHO limit. The mean levels of heavy metals in sediment were as follows: As (1.451 to 4.220 mg/kg); Cd (below detection to 1.104 mg/kg); Cu (below detection to 3.951 mg/kg); Fe (46.215 to 549.450 mg/kg); Zn (0.351 to 2.350 mg/kg); Pb (below detection to 1.104 mg/kg); Fe (46.215 to 549.450 mg/kg); Zn (0.351 to 2.350 mg/kg In six locations, the HI findings were over the advisory threshold of 1.0 for adults and in all samples for children, indicating that human health is at danger. Furthermore, in all of the locations, the CRing for As was above the USEPA recommendation value of 1 x 10-6, implying that consumers are likely to be exposed to cancer risk. The quantities of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the sediments were lower than the relevant effect range low (ERL) limits in the sediment quality guidelines, indicating that they were unlikely to harm aquatic life.

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