Environmental Health Scholar Raises Concerns on the Public Health Threat of heavy Metal Contamination of Water Resources

Tosin Clegg

Recently, Dr. Ibukun Adesiyan, an Environmental Health specialist in Nigeria has drawn attention to the public health threat posed by heavy metal contamination of water sources. Dr. Adesiyan echoes that her concerns are consistent with an increasing amount of research that exposes the hazards of these imperceptible contaminants that are present in our supposedly pure water.

According to her, unlike bacterial contaminants, which can be readily addressed through traditional water treatment methods, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic pose a more grievous threat. These elements are naturally occurring, but human activities like industrial waste disposal, mining, and agricultural practices can concentrate them to dangerous levels in water bodies. The real danger lies in their long-term, often irreversible effects on human health.

Dr. Adesiyan, the expert whose research focuses on the assessment of emerging pathogenic microorganisms and contaminants in the environment to identify environmental management interventions that safeguard environmental and human health, further evinced the threat of heavy metals in water sources with her research on “concentrations and human health risk assessment of five heavy metals in selected rivers of Southwest Nigeria”. She stated that the study revealed high concentrations of heavy metals Manganese (Mn), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) in the sampled rivers, signifying health risks to humans of all ages. As explained by her, the study further revealed that As had concentration values that gave a health risk assessment computation higher than the remedial goal target of 1 ×10-6 set by USEPA, thereby making it a potential driver for carcinogenic risk through water ingestion.
She emphasizes the vulnerability of children and pregnant women explaining that the developing body of a child is particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of heavy metals. “Lead exposure can disrupt brain development, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children. Mercury can impair the nervous system, affecting cognitive function, memory, and coordination. Arsenic, a known carcinogen, is linked to an increased risk of various cancers. These are just a few examples of the health issues associated with heavy metal contamination”.

She also elaborated further on the consequences of polluted water beyond an individual’s health. She explained that contaminated water disrupts aquatic ecosystems, harming fish populations and reducing biodiversity. According to her, the accumulation of heavy metals in fish tissues and organs has also been established by her study on “the comparative assessment and source identification of heavy metals in selected fishpond water, sediment and Fish tissues/organs”. She said the study showed significant accumulation of heavy metals in the tissue of fish indicating that aquatic organisms accumulate metals in concentrations many times higher than present in water. “Heavy metal contamination, in turn, affects fisheries, a vital source of protein-rich food and livelihood for many communities”. She echoed that the economic impact of heavy metal pollution can be devastating, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Dr. Adesiyan in her call to action posited that a multi-pronged approach is needed to address this crisis. “Stringent regulations on industrial waste disposal and mining practices are crucial. Regular monitoring of water sources for heavy metal levels, coupled with public awareness campaigns and empowering communities to hold polluters accountable. Investing in advanced water treatment technologies is essential for ensuring safe drinking water. Finally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, can minimize heavy metal leaching into water sources through agricultural practices”.
The expert accentuated that individual also have a role to play. She argues that by supporting businesses committed to sustainability and adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life, the public health threat posed by environmental pollution could be mitigated. She therefore submitted that advocating for stricter environmental regulations and holding authorities accountable for protecting public health is important.

Dr. Adesiyan’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the threat posed by heavy metal contamination. In her concluding remarks, she asserted that, by acknowledging the urgency of this issue and taking decisive action we can safeguard public health and ensure clean water for present and future generations. “Clean water is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Maintaining its quality is a shared responsibility. Let’s act now to prevent a silent threat from becoming a devastating crisis!” says the Environmental Health expert.