Adverse health effects of heavy metal pollution in the Enugu Area, Southeastern Nigeria

Heavy metal pollution in Southeastern Nigeria’s Enugu area presents a severe environmental and public health hazard, with specific locations such as Emene Industrial Area, Ngwo Mechanic Village, and Abakpa experiencing particularly high contamination levels. The primary contaminants—lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and chromium—originate from industrial operations, mining activities, and unregulated waste disposal. In Emene Industrial Area, soil and water samples reveal arsenic and manganese levels significantly above safety thresholds, impacting local residents, especially children and pregnant women. Ngwo Mechanic Village exhibits dangerously high concentrations of lead and chromium due to persistent automobile emissions and industrial effluents, leading to respiratory and neurological health risks for workers and nearby communities. Additionally, agricultural zones like Abakpa are impacted by cadmium from fertilizers, resulting in contamination of crops and local water sources, which poses long-term health risks to consumers. This review examines the sources, pathways, and adverse health effects of heavy metal pollution across these high-risk locations in Enugu, while also recommending mitigation strategies, including stricter environmental regulations, sustainable agricultural practices, and community education to reduce exposure and protect public health.