TITLE:
Evaluation of Trace Metals in Groundwater of Ekondo-Titi and Environs, Onshore Rio Del Rey, Cameroun
AUTHORS:
Richard Ayuk II Akoachere, Thomson Areakpoh Eyong, Marcelle-Carole Pami Ngassam, Raymond Ndip Nkongho, Simon Oko Okpara, Tom Tabi Oben
KEYWORDS:
Trace-metal, PCA, HCA, Health-hazard-indices, Pollution risks-indices, Rio-del-Rey, Ekondo-Titi, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.6 No.10,
October
16,
2019
ABSTRACT: Barium is the most enriched element in the study area; this could be attributed to agricultural fertilizers. Igeo values indicate groundwater is no pollution to moderately pollution risk from Li, V, Cr, Co, As, Cd, Pb while groundwater has a strong pollution risk from Ba and extreme pollution risk from Mn, Sr, Fe and Zn, though the concentrations of the trace metals are below WHO guidelines. Thus, from the health hazard indices and pollution risk indices on trace metals, the groundwater in Ekondo-Titi and environs is safe for drinking. The severity of metal toxicity is governed by several factors, such as dose, nutrition, age, and even life style. Therefore, these low trends that indicate the absence of human health hazards and health risks, the groundwater, might not guarantee the complete and permanent absence of human health hazards and risks due to an increasing level of environmental pollution that might be imposed by the increasing plantation agriculture in this area. Groundwater sources might become a potential sink of contaminants; this is the reason for recommending a constant monitoring and implementation program in Ekondo-Titi and environs.