This study investigated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater impacted by waste dumps through computation of different hydrogeological/chemical indices and related health risk assessment of major heavy m...This study investigated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater impacted by waste dumps through computation of different hydrogeological/chemical indices and related health risk assessment of major heavy metals (HVM) in relation to different population groups in Keffi Metropolis. Samples from ten (10) groundwater sources were collected for analysis. Results revealed that the concentration of major cations from the samples was in the order: Ca<sup>2+</sup> > Na<sup>+</sup> + K<sup>+</sup> > Mg<sup>2+</sup>, while major anionic constituents were in the order: HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> > CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup> > SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup> > Cl<sup>-</sup> > F<sup>-</sup> respectively. Water quality index (WQI) computed indicated that the groundwater of the study area is not suitable for domestic purposes particularly drinking as some of the parameters exceed the WHO guidelines. Generally, the HVM hazard quotients (HQ) of non-carcinogenic (NC) and carcinogenic toxicity (TC) for both population groups were lower (HQ < 1) indicating that the groundwater within the study areas did not pose current significant risk. Non-carcinogenic risk uncertainty analysis by Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) further indicated that risk levels of HVM in GW were lower (HQ < 1). Despite the findings in this study, it is important that regular monitoring of GW quality is done in order to ensure that water is potable and prevent human health risks.展开更多
Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining,...Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.展开更多
文摘This study investigated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater impacted by waste dumps through computation of different hydrogeological/chemical indices and related health risk assessment of major heavy metals (HVM) in relation to different population groups in Keffi Metropolis. Samples from ten (10) groundwater sources were collected for analysis. Results revealed that the concentration of major cations from the samples was in the order: Ca<sup>2+</sup> > Na<sup>+</sup> + K<sup>+</sup> > Mg<sup>2+</sup>, while major anionic constituents were in the order: HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> > CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup> > SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup> > Cl<sup>-</sup> > F<sup>-</sup> respectively. Water quality index (WQI) computed indicated that the groundwater of the study area is not suitable for domestic purposes particularly drinking as some of the parameters exceed the WHO guidelines. Generally, the HVM hazard quotients (HQ) of non-carcinogenic (NC) and carcinogenic toxicity (TC) for both population groups were lower (HQ < 1) indicating that the groundwater within the study areas did not pose current significant risk. Non-carcinogenic risk uncertainty analysis by Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) further indicated that risk levels of HVM in GW were lower (HQ < 1). Despite the findings in this study, it is important that regular monitoring of GW quality is done in order to ensure that water is potable and prevent human health risks.
文摘Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.
