Particulate air-borne pollutants in Port Harcourt could contaminate recreational pools; toxicity evaluation and children's health risk assessment.

Air pollution in Port Harcourt metropolis exacerbated by ambient air-borne black soot particles in the past 4 years has become a great concern especially for children who indulge in recreational pools' activities. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the toxicities of recreational pools in Port Harcourt City and hence perform preliminary health risk assessment. Five recreational pools (4 outdoor and 1 indoor) were used out of the randomly selected 8, from 30 that were identified. Toxicity assessment was carried out using "Ostracods-linked mathematical model" while risk assessment was by analysing protein oxidation and hepatotoxicity in the hepatocytes of exposed rats. Questionnaire-based approach was used to elicit relevant information from children (10–13 years) who consistently engaged in recreational pool activities. The pH and temperature and bacteriological examination of the pools were also carried out. Results show that all the pools were in fairly good sanitary conditions based on the highest mean bacterial counts (2.33±0.57/100 ml), while all were slightly acidic and with normal temperature range. The toxicity indices of outdoor pools (SP 1) and (SP 5) are respectively 20.8 and 49.0 units, while that of outdoor pools (SP 2) and (SP 3) are the same (42.5 units). "No-observed-effect-toxicity" (NOET) was observed for the indoor pool (SP 4). Analysis of the structured questionnaires inferred that none of the children traced has or has had any of the recreational water illnesses. However, results of protein oxidation in rats and hepatotoxicity of rats' hepatocytes suggest that the exposed children may be at oxidative stress-related risks in future especially if the children continue, without adequate precaution, in the use of these pools. It is recommended that further monitoring of these children be continued while measures such as frequent changes of the pool water are ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]