Effects of Trace Elements Compositions of Igneous Intrusions on Public Health in Ishiagu Area of the Southern Benue trough, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Some health implications of structurally-controlled igneous intrusions in Ishiagu area of southern Benue Trough were studied using the field investigations, trace element geochemistry and geostatistical studies of some of the igneous rocks, the surrounding water and edible vegetables. Results of the study revealed that the average concentrations of these trace metals in the igneous rocks decreased from Mn to Mg as follows: Mn (1431 ppm), Sr (419.5 ppm), Ba (58.11 ppm), Cu (45.63 ppm), Pb (5.48 ppm), As (1.20 ppm), Mo (3.270 ppm), Cd (0.960 ppm) and Mg (0.940 ppm); in water decreased from Mg to Cd as follows: Mg (5.840 mg/l), Sr (1.270 mg/l), Fe (0.3 mg/l), Mo (.013 mg/l), Mn (0.002 mg/l), Ni (0.001 mg/l), As (0.0004 mg/l), Ni (0.001 mg/l), Co (0.0001 mg/l), and Cd (0.0001 mg/l), while in the edible vegetables trace elements decreased from Fe-Ni as follows: Fe (8540 mg/kg), Mg (4085 mg/kg), Al (2352.1 mg/kg), Pb (360.76 mg/kg), Sr (182 mg/kg), Zn (53.38 mg/kg), Ba (46.3 mg/kg) Cu (21.75 mg/kg), Mo (8.97 mg/kg) and Ni (4.92 mg/kg). Geostatistical analysis of the edible vegetables indicates that the bioaccumulation factor of the vegetation with respect to the rock decreased from Pb to Ni as follows: Pb> Mo >Cd >As> Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn>Sr>Mg>Ni. The concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, Cd, Pb and Zn in water and edible vegetables are higher than the permissible levels recommended by World Health Organization. Thus, the inhabitants of the study area are at risk of myocardial infarction, insulin alteration, anemia, neurodegenerative conditions in humans, renal dysfunction, metal fumes fever, hair and skin discoloration, respiratory tract diseases, carcinogenic diseases, kidney disease, fanconi syndrome, lipid peroxidation of the heart, liver and spleen, hypertension, anemia, colic, headache, brain damage and central nervous system disorder, kidney disease, neurotoxin, lipid peroxidation in the heart, liver and spleen, fanconi syndrome, oesteomalacia, renal dysfunction, learning disabilities and hyperactivity, loss of vision, heart and liver failures, skin irritation, hazardous effects on lungs and brains. The outcome of this study has provided a data base for intervention endeavors for health practitioners to comprehensively monitor and control health issues arising from geologic and mining processes in Ishiagu area of Ebonyi State. The area is in dire need of standard medical facilities, which will, among other things, offer medical aids, document such health matters and keep surveillance so as to detect impact of the trace metals on  the health of the inhabitants of the study area.