Monitoring exposure to heavy metals among children in Lake Victoria, Kenya: environmental and fish matrix.
This study used hair and nails to biomonitor heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) from geological source and exposure through regular fish consumption among children in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Concentration of Pb and Cu in water reflected anthropogenic pathways, while Cd and Cr reflected accumulation from the catchment basin. Higher concentration of heavy metals in the nails samples than the hair samples suggested longer term exposure. The estimated intake of Cd and Cr from fish in one site associated with high concentration of the metals from geological source was appreciably above the respective recommended daily allowance, signifying possible health risks to humans. Significant correlations between Pb, Cd and Cu in hair, nails and heavy metals from fish consumed suggested fish consumption as possible pathway of heavy metals in humans. Possible health risks from heavy metals were likely due to consumption of higher quantities of fish and from geological basins.
Oyoo-Okoth
Elijah
E
Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Environmental Studies, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya. elijaoyoo2009@gmail.com
Admiraal
Wim
W
Osano
Odipo
O
Ngure
Veronica
V
Kraak
Michiel H S
MH
Omutange
Elijah S
ES
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D009262:Nails / Q000737:chemistry; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical