1. Assessment of heavy metal contamination and health risks in groundwater of Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria
- Author
-
Andrew A. Tyopine, Nwabueze I. Elom, Folasade Alomaja, Nnadozie Onyezewe, Divine C. Mbah, Blessing Aguma, Chelsey O. Nwoke, and Ugochukwu Oraeki
- Subjects
Groundwater ,Heavy metals ,Water Quality Index ,HERisk code ,Human health risks ,Abakaliki Metropolis ,Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes ,TD201-500 ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 - Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to assess the human health risks associated with groundwater consumption in Abakaliki Metropolis using Water Quality Index (WQI) and HERisk code. Groundwater samples (n = 32) obtained from boreholes were analysed for pH, Zn, Pb. Fe, Cr and NO3 to evaluate both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. The average concentrations of these parameters, except Pb (0.02 mg/L) and Cr (0.06 mg/L), were within permissible limits. The distribution of the average concentrations of the parameters followed the order: Zn > Cr > Fe > NO3 > Pb. The WQI ranged from 0.15 to 505.67 classifying 12.50% of the water samples as excellent sources of drinking water, 9.38% as good, 9.38% as poor, 12.50% as very poor and 56.25% unfit for drinking. The HERisk code revealed significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks exceeding safety limits (
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF