Geological Pathways, Environmental Dispersion, and Public Health Implications of Heavy Metal Contamination From Artisanal Gold Mining in Northwestern Nigeria

Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) and mercury exposure among children in north-western Nigeria have become alarming outcomes of unregulated artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities. Despite efforts to mitigate contamination, unsafe ore processing continues to threaten paediatric health. This study, titled “Geological Pathways, Environmental Dispersion, and Public Health Implications of Heavy Metal Contamination from Artisanal Gold Mining in North-western Nigeria,” aimed to examine the relationship between geological sources of heavy metals, their environmental dispersion, and their impact on children’s health. A correlational survey design was employed. Data were collected using a self-designed instrument, the Geological and Environmental Health Risk Assessment Scale (GEHRAS), validated through a pilot study yielding a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.81. A sample size of 300 participants was selected through multistage sampling techniques combining purposive and stratified random methods. Findings revealed significantly higher concentrations of lead and mercury in mining areas compared with control sites (t = 6.48, p < 0.05); contamination decreased inversely with distance from mining zones (r = –0.74, p < 0.05); and children’s BLLs were strongly correlated with environmental lead indicators (r = 0.81, p < 0.05). The study concluded that ASGM activities are major contributors to environmental and paediatric heavy metal exposure. It recommended government enforcement of safer mining practices and community-based health screening programmes to detect and manage exposure early.