Publisher: The Conversation
Title: Nigeria’s sacred Osun River supports millions of people – but pollution is making it unsafe
Author: Tobiloba Akinde, Elijah A. Aiyewale, Temilola Oluseyi
Date of Publication: September 21, 2022
Citation style language: APA
Pollution Type: Heavy metal pollution (lead, mercury), biological contamination
Impact Dimension: Environmental degradation, public health risks, cultural/religious disruption, economic harm to communities
Actor Type: Artisanal gold miners, government agencies, industrial facilities
Response Type: Scientific research, regulatory enforcement recommendations, community advocacy
Evidence Type: Water quality testing, sediment analysis, comparative contamination maps
Policy Mention: National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Osun River cleanup initiatives
Key Finding: Lead levels up to 1,000 times higher than safe limits; mercury contamination detected at 4-8 times above thresholds
Health Risk Projection: Increased cancer risk, kidney failure, developmental disorders in children, neurological damage