HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE ALAKIA INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT OF IBADAN, SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

A scientific survey was conducted in February 2002 in three communities (Majawe, Osun-Abolowojaiye and Papa Adogba) communities of Alakia Industrial district of Ibadan to determine the extent of the damages caused by the negative impact of the industrial effluent discharges into the Elesin stream and emissions of gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere within the three communities. A socio-economic survey was also carried out to establish the impact(s) on human and livestock populations of the study area. A sample of non-affected areas served as control for comparison. The degree of pollution was established by the determination of the concentrations of the metals including Pb, Ca, N, K, Cd, Fe, Zn, Ca, Cr, Mn, Na, Mg, a specific non metal phosphorus as well as chlorides (Cl^-) and Nitrates (N0₃^-). The study established the presence of metals in concentrations higher than the recommended limits in effluent discharges in all the samples in the study area and a clear link between the effluent discharges and pollution with its severe damages in the area.