Human health impacts of heavy metal from a battery recycling facility in southeast of Nigeria

Abstract

Informal vehicle battery recycling processes in developing nations often introduce heavy metals into the environment, raising concerns for public health. This study aims to evaluate the health impacts of heavy metal contamination in water samples from Idemili River, which receives wastewater from a vehicle battery recycling facility in Anambra, Nigeria. A total of 22 water samples were collected during wet and dry seasons from the facility and from upstream and downstream points along the river. Heavy metals analyzed included arsenic, nickel, cadmium, lead, and cobalt using a PerkinElmer AAnalyst 400 atomic absorption spectrometer, with mercury absent in all samples. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.01 mg/L to 0.09 mg/L during the wet season and 0.01 mg/L to 0.10 mg/L during the dry season. Nickel concentrations were between 0.02 mg/L and 1.59 mg/L in the wet season, and 0.02 mg/L to 1.61 mg/L in the dry season. Cadmium concentrations varied from 0.01 mg/L to 0.84 mg/L in the wet season and 0.01 mg/L to 0.85 mg/L in the dry season. Lead concentrations were found to be 0.03 mg/L to 2.68 mg/L during the wet season and 0.03 mg/L to 2.70 mg/L in the dry season. Cobalt concentrations ranged from 0.01 mg/L to 0.92 mg/L in the wet season and 0.01 mg/L to 0.93 mg/L in the dry season. Pearson’s correlation showed strong seasonal consistency (r = 0.72–0.94) in contamination sources. The USEPA risk assessment indicated that hazard quotients for arsenic, nickel, cadmium, lead, and cobalt exceeded safe levels (HI > 1) during both seasons, suggesting significant health risks for nearby residents and facility workers. This study highlights the environmental and health risks of informal battery recycling and calls for improved waste management to safeguard water quality and public health.