scholarly journals Health risks of adults in Hong Kong related to inhalation of particle-bound heavy metal(loid)s

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocui Chen ◽  
Tony J. Ward ◽  
Chinmoy Sarkar ◽  
Kin-Fai Ho ◽  
Chris Webster
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Personal Exposure ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Potential Health

AbstractHeterogeneity between ambient and personal exposure to heavy metals has been documented. However, few studies have investigated potential health risks posed by inhalational exposure to airborne heavy metal(loid)s at the individual level. A total of 404 personal fine particles (PM2.5) samples were collected from 61 adult residents (aged 18–63 years) in Hong Kong during 2014–2015. Heavy metal(loid)s were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Among the analyzed heavy metal(loid)s, zinc (Zn) was the most abundant component in personal PM2.5, followed by lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and vanadium (V); cobalt (Co) and cadmium (Cd) were not detectable. Health risks of personal exposure to heavy metal(loid)s via inhalation were assessed for adults, including non-cancer risks that were characterized by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). The results indicated that non-cancer risks of heavy metal(loid)s were attributable to Cu, with a 95th HQ value > 1. Arsenic (As) and hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] were also significant contributors to inhalation cancer risks (> 1 × 10−6) for the adult participants. Finally, we employed a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the uncertainty associated with health risk assessment. The mean and median upper-bound lifetime cancer risk associated with inhalation exposure to carcinogenic heavy metal(loid)s exceeded the acceptable level (1 × 10−6) for adults. Traffic emission (including non-tailpipe exhaust), shipping emission, and regional pollution were significant sources of heavy metals. These findings suggest that emission controls targeting local vehicles and vessels should be given priority in Hong Kong.

Heavy metal residue in some vegetables and potential health risk assessment among consumers within Katsina North Western Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 56-63
Author(s):  
L.U Usman ◽  
R. Yerima
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Risk ◽  
Vegetable Samples

Ingestion of vegetables containing heavy metal is one of the main ways in which these elements enter the human body. Once entered, heavy metals are deposited in bone and fat tissues, overlapping noble minerals. Slowly released into the body, heavy metals can cause an array of diseases. This study aimed to assess the heavy metals residues in some vegetables and potential health risk among consumers within Katsina Metropolis. Six different vegetable samples comprising of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red pepper (Piper nigrum) and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus) were randomly collected from two main irrigation farmland located in Katsina Metropolis (Kofar sauri and Kofar marusa). Their level of toxic metals namely (Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium and Lead) were assessed using standard materials and methods. Results obtained were used to estimate the health risk of these heavy metals via consumption of the vegetable samples. The results from the study showed that the mean heavy metal concentration ranged between 1.10±0.00 mg/kg to 4.45±0.16 mg/kg, 1.78±0.07 mg/kg to 4.9±0.11 mg/kg, 0.02±0.00 mg/kg to 1.28±0.02 mg/kg, 1.51±0.02 mg/kg to 4.34±0.02 mg/kg and 1.05±0.01 mg/kg to 2.86±0.02 mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb respectively. The concentration of Cu and Zn were found to be below permissible limit while Cd, Cr and Pb concentration exceeded the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO. Health risks associated with the intake of these metals were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). EDI value of Cu and Zn were found to be below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The HQ of all the metals were >1, suggesting health hazards risk for the population. Moreover, HQ of Cd and Pb were greatly higher through consumption of cucumber, cabbage, lettuce and red pepper indicating significant health risks. HI was found to be higher >1 (3.32 mg/kg and 3.91 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of spinach; however, it was much higher >1 (10.49 mg/kg and 12.4 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of cabbage, suggesting more adverse health effects from cabbage consumption than spinach. The findings of this study shows the health risks associated with the consumption of heavy metals through the intake of some the selected vegetables within Katsina Metropolis, therefore, there is need for biomonitoring of these heavy metals in the vegetable because these are some of the main sources of food for humans in many parts of the world. Keywords: Heavy metal, Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Consumption

Heavy metal concentration in commonly sold stem vegetables in Dhaka city market and probable health risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-232
Author(s):  
Romana Sultana ◽  
AS Chamon ◽  
MN Mondol
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Average Daily Intake

The present study was carried out to assess the concentration of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in four stem vegetables such as Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Garlic (Allium sativumL.) and Onion (Allium cepa L.) by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were also estimated to assess the human health risks posed by heavy metals from the consumption of the studied vegetables. The studied stem vegetable samples were collected in four phases from Kawran Bazar fresh vegetable market of Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Mean concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in the studied stem vegetables ranged between 0.88 to 2.35, 0.08 to 0.15, 0 to 2.25, 0 to 3.30, 5.70 to 9.85, 18.83 to 40.67, 50.60 to 456.38 and 9.23 to 852.35 mg/kg of dry weight, respectively. Mean concentration of maximum permissible limit (MPL) exceed in onion for Cr, in potato and onion for Pb and in ginger for Fe, Ni and Mn. Average daily intake was found to be lower than the maximum permitted tolerable daily intake in most cases except for Mn (26.475 mg/person/day) for consumption Ginger. Hazard quotient of Mn for dietary intake of Ginger (3.152) and hazard indices of Ginger (4.626), Garlic (1.183) and Onion (1.069) exceeded unity, signifying potential health risks from the dietary intake of these vegetables. This study suggests regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables to avoid the potential health hazards on human. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 221-232, 2021 (July)

scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy Metal Contents, and Probable Health Risks of Some Staple Vegetables in Enugu Metropolis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
D. Ibegbu Madu ◽  
A. Eze Anthonius ◽  
Atuadu Vivian ◽  
C. Ejiofor Nonso ◽  
E. Ezeagu Ikechukwu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Amaranthus Hybridus ◽  
Ocimum Gratissimum ◽  
Telfairia Occidentalis ◽  
Metal Contents ◽  
Daily Intakes

Heavy metals naturally are non-biodegradable constituents of the earth’s crust that accumulate and persist indefinitely in the ecosystem as a result of both human and natural activities. Their contamination of vegetables remains an issue of public health interest due to the frequency, and quantity of consumption. The over exposure to these heavy metals continues to pose serious health threat globally. This study was aimed to assess the heavy metal contents of staple vegetables [Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus hybridus and Ocimum gratissimum] within Enugu metropolis; the leaves were screened for heavy metals [Arsenic As, Lead Pb, Cadmium Cd, Nickel Ni, Chromium Cr and Cobalt Co], by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results (Mean±SD,  mgkg-1 ) showed that Amaranthus hybridus: contained [Pb-0.109±0.350, Cr -0.161±0.004]; Ocimum gratissimum: [Ni-0.179±0.028, Cd-0.033±0.006, Cr-0.176±0.036], and Telfairia occidentalis: [Pb-0.153±0.139, Co-0.198±0.148]; of which some values were slightly above WHO/FAO standards. Although, the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were below referenced tolerable daily intakes (TDIs). The hazard quotients (HQs) were below 1 (HQ<1), but As and Cd, were exceptions; while the hazard index (HI) values were all above 1 (HI>1). The slightly above standard references of some of these heavy metals, and HI>1 values in this study are a concern, as potential health risks may arise amidst the population over a period of time, therefore, there is need to eliminate the likely sources of the latent contamination.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation and Health Risks with Associated Histopathological Changes in Clarias gariepinus from the Kado Fish Market, Abuja, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (26) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson E. Abalaka ◽  
Simon I. Enem ◽  
Idoko S. Idoko ◽  
Nuhu A. Sani ◽  
Oremeyi Z. Tenuche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Clarias Gariepinus ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Fish Market ◽  
Aquatic Flora ◽  
Financial Interests

Background. Aquatic pollution by heavy metals has become a global problem and is of great concern due to the detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and possible human uptake. Objectives. The present study aimed to evaluate tissue bioaccumulations of heavy metals and possible human health risks in addition to associated cellular damages in fish for sale in a fish market in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods. Clarias gariepinus sold at the Kado Fish Market in Abuja, Nigeria, in March–April 2017 and March–April 2018 were randomly purchased and sampled. The heavy metal contents of the sampled fish were assayed and used to assess the extent of potential health risks to human consumers. The extent of histopathological changes associated with the bioaccumulations in the sampled fish were also evaluated according to standard procedures. Results. Levels of most heavy metals were above permissible limits, except for lower levels of zinc (Zn) in liver and muscle and higher levels of lead (Pb) in muscle in the sampled fish. Similarly, significant (p&lt;0.05) liver bioaccumulation occurred for Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) compared to their levels in muscle. The total hazard index (non-cancer risk across all metals) was 0.0415, which is very low and acceptable. The cancer risks ranged between the acceptable values of 1.98 × 10−5 – 3.71 × 10−6. Associated histopathological changes, which occurred in the sampled fish, differed between the various assayed tissues. Conclusions. Most of the heavy metals were significantly bioaccumulated (p&lt;0.05) and were above the permissible levels, particularly in liver samples. The levels of muscle heavy metal bioaccumulation in the sampled fish posed no apparent cancer or non-cancer health risks to human consumers. However, further efforts are needed to minimize heavy metal aquatic environmental pollution to safeguard the health of aquatic flora and fauna and human consumers because of the tendency of these pollutants to persist and bioaccumulate to toxic levels over time. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Heavy metal and essential elements in beers from turkey market: A risk assessment study

2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712199321
Author(s):  
M Charehsaz ◽  
S Helvacıoğlu ◽  
S Çetinkaya ◽  
R Demir ◽  
O Erdem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Multiple Heavy Metals

In this study, the level of arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and also essential elements in beer samples consumed in Turkey were investigated using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The heavy metal-induced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated. For essential elements, the calculated estimated daily intake of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co) from beer consumption were compared with their toxicity reference values. Tukey post-hoc test showed that As was found at a significantly higher level when compared to Pb. Also, a significant correlation was found between As level and alcohol by volume percent. All samples had a hazard quotient and hazard index <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to single or multiple heavy metals. Some samples exceeded the threshold limit of acceptable cancer risk for As in the high beer consumer group. This assessment showed that in addition to health implications based on the alcohol content of beer, there might be a carcinogenic risk associated with the heavy metals content of these beverages.

Characteristics of the Atmospheric Pollution and Health Risk of Arsenic and Heavy Metals (Cu,Pb,Cr,Ni,Hg) in PM2.5 during Heating Period in Xining ,China

2014 ◽  
Vol 955-959 ◽  
pp. 993-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Na Shi ◽  
Xun Xu ◽  
Xu Dong Zhao ◽  
Xiao Yan Dou ◽  
Qian Qian Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Atmospheric Pollution ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Heating Period ◽  
Metals And Metalloids ◽  
Dermal Contact

The human risks of As and heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Xining, China is investigated here in this study. Cu, As and Pb are the most abundant elements in stationary monitoring station for atmospheric pollution and mountain Najia. As, Pb and Cr are the most abundant elements in the park of organisms and Xining Special Steel between the studied metals and metalloids in PM2.5. Pb and As showed a higher bio-accessibility. It has been shown that the carcinogenic risks of As, Cd, Cr and Ni in PM2.5 via dermal contact and inhalation exposure are within the acceptable level (<1×10-4) for both children and adults, but there is a potential carcinogenic risk posed by Pb via ingestion. As for non-carcinogenic health risks, the hazard index values for all the studied elements suggested no health risks via ingestion and dermal contact, but a potential one via inhalation of adults. Values of hazard quotient and hazard index indicated the non-carcinogenic risks from the studied metals and metalloids to children via ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation pathways during heating period in Xining given the present air quality .

scholarly journals Potential Human Health Risks Assessment through Determination of Heavy Metal Contents in Regularly Consumed Yogurts in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-610
Author(s):  
GMM Anwarul Hasan ◽  
Mohammed A. Satter ◽  
Anuj Kumer Das
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Metal Contents ◽  
Health Risks Assessment ◽  
Risks Assessment

This study estimated the concentrations of heavy metals in regularly consumed sour, sweet and homemade traditional yogurts in Bangladesh. A total of 300 yogurt samples (sour, sweet and homemade traditional); 100 yogurt samples of each category were considered for this assay. To assess the health risks, the daily yogurt consumption rate and the value of target carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of these yogurt samples were also determined. In sour yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.398±0.121 mg/kg, 0.774±0.372 mg/kg, 0.087±0.021 mg/kg, 0.131±0.026 mg/kg, 0.011±0.006 mg/kg, 0.031±0.005 mg/kg, 0.445±0.267 mg/kg and 0.029±0.024 mg/kg while in sweet yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.146 mg/kg, 0.704±0.324 mg/kg, 0.082±0.028 mg/kg, 0.146±0.025 mg/kg, 0.010±0.005 mg/kg, 0.030±0.007 mg/kg, 0.460±0.265 mg/kg, and 0.035±0.026 mg/kg and in homemade traditional yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.147 mg/kg, 1.502±0.367 mg/kg, 0.085±0.020 mg/kg, 0.120±0.024 mg/kg, 0.011±0.005 mg/kg, 0.020±0.005 mg/kg, 0.251±0.174 mg/kg and 0.025±0.021 mg/Kg for Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) respectively. Among the analyzed heavy metals, highest concentration of Cu and lowest concentration of Pb was detected in all yogurt types. The values of estimated daily intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), Total THQ (TTHQ) and Target Carcinogenic risk (TCR) confirmed that, there have no chances of any kind of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from these yogurt samples.

scholarly journals Personal exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> emitted from typical anthropogenic sources in southern West Africa: chemical characteristics and associated health risks

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 6637-6657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongmei Xu ◽  
Jean-François Léon ◽  
Cathy Liousse ◽  
Benjamin Guinot ◽  
Véronique Yoboué ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Personal Exposure ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Waste Burning

Abstract. Urbanization is an issue that is strongly emerging in southern West Africa (sWA). There is a lack of full understanding on chemical compositions and personal exposure levels to fine particulate matter (hereafter defined as PE PM2.5) and its health risks related to various anthropogenic sources in this region. In this study, PE PM2.5 was studied in dry (January) and wet (July) seasons of 2016 for the first time to characterize the contributions of a domestic fire site (DF) to the exposure of women and a waste burning site (WB) to that of students in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and a motorcycle traffic site (MT) to that of drivers in Cotonou, Benin. The average PE PM2.5 mass concentrations were 331.7±190.7, 356.9±71.9 and 242.8±67.6 µg m−3 at DF, WB and MT sites for women, students and drivers, which were 2.4, 10.3 and 6.4 times the ambient PM2.5 concentrations, respectively. Elevated PE PM2.5 levels in the dry season were found at DF (358.8±100.5 µg m−3), WB (494.3±15.8 µg m−3) and MT (335.1±72.1 µg m−3) sites, on average 15 % higher than that at DF and 55 % higher at both WB and MT sites in the wet season. The seasonal variations were attributed to emission sources, meteorological factors and personal activities. In addition, the results show that geological material (35.8 %, 46.0 % and 42.4 %) and organic matter (34.1 %, 23.3 % and 24.9 %) were the major components of PE PM2.5 at DF, WB and MT sites. It is worth noting that the contribution of heavy metals was higher at WB (1.0 %) than at DF (0.7 %) and MT (0.4 %) sites, strongly influenced by waste burning emission. This results in the highest non-cancer risks of heavy metals to students, 5.1 and 4.8 times the values for women and drivers, respectively. By conducting organic speciation, fingerprints were used to access the exposure and identify the source contributions from typical local anthropogenic sources. The women's exposure concentration to particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at DF (77.4±47.9 ng m−3) was 1.6 and 2.1 times, respectively, that of students at WB (49.9±30.7 ng m−3) and of drivers at MT (37.0±7.4 ng m−3). This can be associated with the higher contributions from solid fuels' burning and meat grilling activities to women, resulting in a level 5 times in exceedance of the cancer risk safety threshold (1×10-6). Phthalate esters (PAEs), commonly used as plasticizers in products, were in high levels in the student exposure PM2.5 samples (1380.4±335.2 ng m−3), owing to obvious waste burning activities nearby. The drivers' exposures to fossil fuel combustion markers of hopanes in PE PM2.5 at MT (50.9±7.9 ng m−3) was 3.0–3.3 times those for women at DF (17.1±6.4 ng m−3) and students at WB (15.6±6.1 ng m−3). Overall, the current study shows that wood combustion, waste burning, fugitive dust and motor vehicle emissions were the dominant sources of PE PM2.5 and mainly contributed to its toxicities. The exposure to the heavy metals Pb and Mn caused high non-cancer risks to students at WB, while the severe cancer risk of PAHs was found for women at DF via inhalation. The result of this study provides original data, initial perspective of PM2.5 personal exposure and health risk assessment in the developing areas. The information encourages the governments to improve the air quality and living standards of residents in this region.

Concentrations and related health risk assessment of pesticides, phthalates and heavy metals in strawberry from Shanghai, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan-ce Shao ◽  
Yang-yang Zang ◽  
Hai-yao Ma ◽  
Ye Ling ◽  
Zhen-peng Kai
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Pesticides Residues

In the present study, a risk assessment of pesticides, phthalates and heavy metals in strawberries (n = 335) in recent years was conducted by determining the out estimate dietary intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) . 128 Pesticides, 18 phthalates and 3 heavy metals were determined in this determination. 51 pesticide residues were detected in the strawberry samples, and 97.91% samples had levels of at least one of the 51 pesticides above the LOD (limit of detection). 2.39% of samples had pesticides higher than the Chinese MRL. Multiple pesticides residues were detected in most samples. Bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were detected in the strawberry samples with high frequency of detection. Their detectable rates were 100, 100 and 89.9%, respectively. Most of the samples were detected lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) with the detectable rates 75.76, 92.93 and 92.93%, respectively. Estimated daily intake of analyzed pesticide, phthalate and heavy metal residues appear to be relatively low compared to the ADI. The average THQs and HI were less than one. That means the customers who are exposed to the average contaminants levels may not pose significant health risk. Our results show that the strawberries may be polluted by many kinds of contaminants. Therefore, monitoring of pesticides, phthalates and heavy metal residues in strawberries should be increasingly developed in order to fully protect the health of the consumer.

scholarly journals Accumulation and toxicological risk assessment of Cd, As, Pb, Hg, and Cu from topsoils of school playgrounds at Obio-Akpor LGA Rivers State Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Okereke Chioma ◽  
Agomuo Emmanuel ◽  
Amadi Peter
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Enrichment Factors ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
School Playgrounds

The adverse health effects associated with heavy metal pollution have become a subject of topical discussion. Using standard methods, this study evaluated the accumulation and toxicological risks of heavy metal deposition on top soils of school playgrounds in Obio-Akpor LGA. Results obtained from the top soils, sampled from 10 different schools showed that the concentration of heavy metals assessed, followed the trend; Hg<As<Cd<Pb<Cu. Marginal differences between the test and control samples were observed for the geoaccumulation index of the heavy metals except for copper. For the contamination factor, FCUA had the least results for cadmium (0.31) but highest in arsenic (0.016) while OPS, UDPS and RBPS recorded the highest contamination factor for lead, mercury, and copper respectively. The results for the pollution load index and degree of contamination of the test sites showed that the sites were unpolluted and had low contamination status, while the enrichment factors showed the deposition of only cadmium to be of a natural origin, and the rest of the heavy metals resulted from anthropogenic sources. The trend from the hazard quotient was Pb>Hg>Cu>Cd>As while the highest (0.0213) and least (0.0162) total hazard index value occurred at RBPS and MOM respectively. These values obtained for this study indicate that the school playground's soils are still within the recommended heavy metal content safe levels.

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