Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

Felix B Masok

Publications

• Research Article
  An Integrated Health Risk Evaluation of Toxic Heavy Metals in Water from Richards Bay, South Africa
  Author(s): Felix B Masok, Paulus L Masiteng, Risimati D Mavunda and Peane P MalekaFelix B Masok, Paulus L Masiteng, Risimati D Mavunda and Peane P Maleka
  
  Heavy metals may affect human health in diverse ways ranging from cancer, reduced growth and development of nervous system damage, organ damage and in extreme cases, death. This study assessed the hazards of heavy metal based on target hazard quotient (THQ), derived from concentrations of heavy metals in water. Eighty-eight (88) water samples were collected from five sources and analyzed for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) using inductively couple plasma and mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Their health risks were assessed for oral ingestion and dermal absorption. The non-carcinogenic effects of these metals due to ingestion were found to be in a decreasing order: stream water>effluent water>Indian Ocean>Mzingazi river>Esikhawini tap water. Whereas via dermal absorption, the effects decrease in the order: effluent wat.. Read More»
  

  Abstract PDF