Occupational and Environmental Implications of Harmful Elements (HEs) in Top Soil from Artisanal Battery Repair Workshops

Occupational hazards are one of the rapidly emerging areas of interest for environmental health researchers. The study aimed to determine the concentration, intensity of pollution, and the health risk associated with harmful elements (HEs) in topsoil from a battery repair workshop in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ten (10) composite soil samples were collected, then transported to the laboratory for further processing. Exactly, 1 g of the sample was digested using Aqua regia solution, while the HE analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The findings revealed an extremely high level of lead (Pb) across the samples, which were obviously linked to the occupational activities in the workshops dealing mainly with Lead accumulated batteries. Although copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were all below the stipulated soil guideline values. The geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor suggest Pb and Cd as the major pollutants in the soil emanating from a man-made source. The I-geo and EF value for the HEs both appear similar in the descending order of Pb>Cd>Cu>Zn>Cr> Fe>Co>Mn. Occupational/Human health risk assessment suggests a significant non-cancer risk of exposure to Pb and a cancer risk to both Pb and Cd in the top soil. These findings emphasize the urgent need for intervention to prevent long-term environmental degradation and adverse health outcomes for both workers and the surrounding community