HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS OF HEAVY METALS IN SOIL FROM THE VICINITY OF A KAOLIN MILLING PLANT IN ALKALERI BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

This study concerns the health risk assessments of soil from vicinity a Kaolin milling plant in Alkaleri, Bauchi State. The aim is to determine concentration elements and heavy metals plant. Soil samples were collected twelve (12) sampling points using hand auger at depth 0 – 15 cm. elemental analysis was carried out Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). Pb Zn determined Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after digestion with mixture HCl HNO3 1:3 ratios. results showed mg/kg As = 0.581±0.49, Cd 0.445±0.74, Cr 59.64±40.12, Co 2.84±1.08, Cu 6.78±13.9, Mn 138.6±27.9, 11.36±2.98, V= 28.54±4.96, 95.42±32.24. assessment method developed by United States Environmental Protection Agency. daily exposure doses are order > V for three pathways. pathways trend decreases Ingestion dermal inhalation. hazard index (HI) non-carcinogenic effect Cu, HIt far less than 1 which safe value. cancer (RI) carcinogenic kaolin through inhalation pathway Cd, also within value 10–6 10–4. These indicate that does not pose major adverse effect.