Harmful algae bloom and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the lower Taylor Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Scientific Research Updates, 2026, 11(02), 001-013.
Article DOI: 10.53430/ijsru.2026.11.2.0016
Publication history:
Received on 28 April 2026; revised on 14 June 2026; accepted on 17 June 2026
Abstract:
Introduction: Harmful algae bloom (HABs) and their effects on aquatic life and human health has been a public challenge resulting from excess human input into aquatic environments. Heavy metals are toxic to human and find their way into the water through numerous sources. The study investigates harmful algae bloom and human health risk of some heavy metals in the lower Taylor creek, Nigeria was assessed between July 2024 and February 2025 in 4 stations to determined. Results: Total HABs load comprises of 3 taxa Bacillariophyta (diatoms), Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria), and Pyrrophyta (dinoflagellates), 12 genera and 19 species were encountered of which Akashiwo sp., Alexandrium sp. and Prorocentrum triestinum (Dinoflagellates) marked very high abundance and Nostoc linkia (Cyanophyta) revealed rare abundance in the study. Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) were assessed by evaluating the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and the target hazard quotient (THQ) to determine the hazard indices (HI) in the stations. CDI ranged from 0.00026 to 4.38 mg/kg/day (Adult) and 0.00010 to 8.31 mg/kg/day (Children). Cd and Pb concentrations were above recommended permissible limit in all stations. HQ, HI and the cancer risk (CR) values for adult were below threshold value (1) except for children. Conclusion: The cumulative effects indicated by the hazard index (HI) calls for concern and this concern is for children exposed to the water resources through consumption.
Keywords:
Harmful algae blooms; Health risk; Heavy metals; Taylor creek; Nigeria
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