Assessment of hazard index and incremental life cancer risk associated with heavy metals in the soils
Buhari Samaila, Buhari Maidamma, Bilyaminu Usman, Aisha Ibrahim Jega, Shehu Alhassan Alhaji
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the hazard Index and Incremental life cancer risks associated with heavy metal contaminations of the soil for residents in the country. In order of magnitude: Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd, Fe, Mn, and Cr have the highest Hazard Index in all the soil samples analyzed by different researchers in the country. In all the heavy metals reviewed, the Cd has the highest Incremental Life Cancer Risk followed by Cr, Pb, and Ni. This indicated that most of the areas are highly polluted with Cd, Cr, and Pb. Therefore, dwellers of the locations may likely be affected with cancer due to the ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact with metals. The Overall results suggested that there is probable adverse health effects to an exposed population in all locations reviewed. Therefore, an effort will be made to prevent the transfer of heavy metals in the soil to the surrounding environment should be encouraged and soil remediation to further reduce the concentration of heavy metals needs to be affected immediately at root level.