Assessments of Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater Source from Benin Formation Aquifer in and around Dumpsite Environment, and its Impact on Human Health

Abstract

The paper examines the level of exposure and the health risk associated with chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Iron (Fe) in boreholes in and around dumpsite environment of Asoro, Otofure and Ikhueniro in Benin City, Nigeria. Literature review, structured questionnaire, and ArcGIS were applied to achieve the aim of the study. The results show that the level of exposure of the inhabitants of the study communities to Fe in the three sites investigated was R > 1 for adult, teenagers, and children respectively. ArcGIS geospatial map model revealed that heavy metals assessed in the study dissipated in the direction of groundwater flow. Correlation at P < 0.5 confidence level confirmed the influence of the dumpsites on the quality of groundwater sourced in the area. Based on the result, the groundwater in the study area cannot be consumed unless treated.