Landfill leachate could constitute significant health impact on human health due to its penetrating
tendency and eventual contamination of nearby groundwater. Therefore, assessment of the leachate
probable environmental impact is paramount so as to prevent adverse ill-health to man and other
living organisms. This study evaluates the heavy metals residue and the potential human health
risk assessment factor of Celosia argentea (Lagos spinach) planted on soil mixed with leachate.
The concentrations of the heavy metals in the harvested samples were determined with Flame
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Heavy metals residue in Celosia argentea (Lagos
spinach) was highest in soil mixed with 40 ml leachate. The daily intake of metals (DIM) of Zn
(0.145 – 0.498 mg/kg) and Ni (0.032 – 0.090 mg/kg) were below the recommended limit while that
of Cd (0.048 – 0.161 mg/kg) and Pb (0.158 – 0.341 mg/kg) were above the recommended DIM
and the upper tolerable daily level. The health risk indexes (HRI) for Cd, Pb, Zn and Ni from this
study were far greater than 1 (HRI > 1) except Cr that is less than 1. Thus, findings revealed that
inhabitants may be highly exposed to health risks associated to these metals in the order Pb >
Cd > Zn > Ni > Cr and as such people should be advised not to grow vegetables and other edible
plants around the location of the dumpsite. Government and Policy makers should sensitize the
public on the potential danger of eating heavy metal polluted foods.
Keywords
Celosia argente; Heavy metals; Risk Assessment; Landfill Leachate
ENIVRONMENT ASIA
Published by : Thai Society of Higher Education Institutes on Environment Contributions welcome at : http://www.tshe.org/en/
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