Assessment of heavy metal contamination in selected laboratories and classrooms in science village Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in educational environments, such as laboratories and classrooms, poses significant health risks to students and staff, yet comprehensive assessments of these settings remain scarce. This study aims to fill the research gap by systematically evaluating the levels of heavy metals in selected laboratories and classrooms, thereby providing critical insights for improving safety standards and promoting a healthier learning environment. This study investigates heavy metal contamination in laboratories and classrooms, focusing on the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Cobalt (Co), and Arsenic (As) using indoor dust analysis. The results reveal that Pb levels were higher in    laboratories (0.1042±0.0272 mg/kg) compared to classrooms (0.0946±0.0362 mg/kg),       although the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Both environments          exceeded the WHO/FAO acceptable limits for Pb. Similarly, Ni concentrations were greater in laboratories (0.1852±0.0464 mg/kg) than in classrooms (0.1215±0.0362 mg/kg), with no significant difference (p>0.05) and levels surpassing WHO/FAO standards. Cadmium levels were also higher in laboratories (0.0572±0.0419 mg/kg) compared to classrooms (0.0191±0.0137 mg/kg), again exceeding acceptable limits without significant differences (p>0.05). Mercury concentrations were higher in classrooms (0.0215±0.0048 mg/kg) than in laboratories (0.0127±0.0031 mg/kg), with significant difference (p>0.05), and both exceeding WHO/FAO limits. Cobalt levels were higher in classrooms (0.847±0.0750 mg/kg) than in laboratories (0.79±0.1669 mg/kg), and As concentrations were higher in laboratories (0.0663±0.0233 mg/kg) than in classrooms (0.0355±0.0152 mg/kg), with both showing no significant differences (p>0.05). Overall, this study highlights concerning levels of heavy metals in educational settings, necessitating further investigation and potential remediation efforts.