Human Health Risk Assessments of Metal Content in Rice and Open field Soils in Aba-Ekan, Ekiti State

Abstract

This study assessed the concentrations and health risks linked to heavy metal concentrations in soil and rice samples collected from Aba-Ekan, rice field. The concentration of metal content in the soil ranged from 0.111±0.004 (Ni) to 15.40±0.141 mg/kg (Ca). The concentrations of metals in paddy rice and parboiled rice ranged from 0.033±0.002 (Pb) to 25.65±0.354 mg/kg (Ca) and from 0.022±0.020 (Pb) to 21.581±0.007 mg/kg (Zn) respectively. The Hazard Index (HI) values for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb were all less than 1 for both paddy and parboiled rice, while that of Zn was 1.8167 (paddy rice) and 2.1065 (parboiled rice). With the exception of Cd and Cr in the soil, none of the individual HQ values for the metals in rice are harmful to children. HI values for the metals in rice samples and soil, however, are higher than 1. Except for Cr in soil, which was more than 1, none of the heavy metal concentrations in the samples threatened the health of adults. The HI value of rice was less than 1, but that of the soil was 2.559, indicating a health danger.