Quarry Runoff Waters: Potential Risks for Irrigation, Fisheries and Livestock in Akamkpa Communities, Nigeria

Quarry operations contribute significantly to regional development but often lead to environmental degradation, particularly through heavy metal-laden dust and runoffs. This study evaluated the irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, and livestock water suitability of runoff from major quarries in Akamkpa communities in Southern Nigeria. Water samples were collected between January and July 2024, and analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and selenium (Se) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total metal concentrations ranged as follows: Pb (0.92–2.54mg/ L), Cd (0.79–1.96mg/ L), Hg (0.02–0.09mg/L), As (0.02–0.14mg/ L), and Se (0.09–0.24mg/ L). The study revealed heavy metal concentrations exceeding the WHO/FAO irrigation, fisheries and aquaculture and livestock drinking water quality standards across the sites, with significant variations between quarries. Similarly, the runoff's metal levels surpassed ANZECC guidelines for irrigation, freshwater aquaculture and the maximum tolerable limits for livestock drinking water. Lead exhibited notably higher levels during the wet season, potentially driven by runoff dynamics. Ding-Zing quarry had the highest metal concentrations, posing the greatest risk. Strong positive correlations between metals suggest a common source, likely linked to quarry operations. The significant difference in the concentration of each metal between the quarries and the control site suggest that quarry activities may be responsible for the elevated metal levels at the study site. In conclusion, findings underscore the unsuitability of quarry runoff for irrigation, fisheries, and aquaculture. This demonstrates the ecological and public health risks posed, especially bioaccumulation of the toxic metals in crops, fish, and livestock. Recommendations include, implementation of appropriate treatment and management strategies, regular monitoring, and adherence to environmental regulations to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with quarry runoff.