IMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL ELEMENTS FROM ABANDONED MINE PONDS AROUND BARKIN LADI, NIGERIA

Mine ponds were primarily constructed by large scale mining firms to wash tin ore, but with the ceasation of mining activities, these ponds are now used for domestic and irrigation purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the suitability of these mine ponds for drinking and their potential risks to human health. Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) and radionuclide were analysed in 20 mine ponds by use of inductive plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The data were subjected to multivariate analysis - principal component analysis and Factor analysis. Lead, As, Cr and U concentrations exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) allowable limit for drinking water, while Co was within the limit for drinking water. Chromium and Co showed positive loadings in Factor 1, with a total variance of 31.12%. Lead and As showed positive loadings in Factor 2, with a total variance of 26.40%. The presence of PHEs and radionuclide above their desirable limits for drinking water in these ponds impaired their quality for drinking purpose. Continuous use of these ponds could lead to incidence of chemical poisoning and gastro-intestinal diseases among the inhabitants of this community. However, it is advisable that the inhabitants should seek for alternative source of water supply such as groundwater or supply from the Municipality.