Health risk assessment of toxic metals and DNA damage in somatic and germ cells by soil and groundwater of a major cement factory in Nigeria.

This article investigates heavy metal contamination in soil and groundwater near the West African Portland Cement Company (WAPCO) in Sagamu, Nigeria, assessing associated ecological and human health risks. Elevated levels of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were found exceeding permissible limits, with ingestion and dermal contact identified as primary exposure routes, especially for children. Toxicological assessments using male mice demonstrated genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and liver oxidative stress linked to these contaminants, including increased micronuclei formation, sperm abnormalities, altered hormone levels, and enzyme activity changes. The study highlights Pb as the major contributor to health risks and calls for governmental intervention to prevent further environmental contamination and remediate affected areas.