article · Nigerian Journal of Physics
Groundwater samples from boreholes and wells across five strategic locations in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, were assessed for heavy metal contamination to evaluate suitability for human consumption. Analysis of ten samples using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry focused on metals including lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper, comparing findings against World Health Organization standards. The results showed that lead and cadmium concentrations in multiple samples exceeded permissible thresholds, indicating health risks tied to toxicity and bioaccumulation. Conversely, zinc and copper levels stayed within safe limits, and iron and chromium were slightly elevated in specific areas. The contamination is linked to human activities, including industrial waste disposal, automobile workshops, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation. Consequently, regular monitoring, improved waste management, and enforced environmental regulations are highlighted as necessary steps to safeguard local drinking water sources.
Safe drinking water is vital for community health, yet heavy metals like lead and cadmium accumulate in the body and create severe toxic hazards. Demonstrating that local boreholes and wells exceed safety standards highlights direct threats to public well-being, helping local authorities recognise the need for water quality testing, updated environmental rules, and better industrial waste control.
The abstract identifies water contamination rather than developing a commercial product, so it does not indicate a direct commercialisation pathway. However, the documented presence of excessive lead and cadmium points to potential demand for water testing services and water filtration or remediation technologies by municipal water authorities or community water providers. The work is early-stage baseline environmental monitoring.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Access to clean water is fundamental for public health, yet in many regions, including Gboko, Nigeria, water sources are increasingly compromised by the presence of arsenic and toxic heavy metals due to growing industrial activities and automobile workshops. This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals in groundwater sources in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, to evaluate their suitability for human consumption with the aim was to determine the levels of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Mn and zinc (Zn), and compare them against WHO standards. Specific objectives included sampling borehole and well water from five strategic locations, conducting laboratory analysis, and identifying potential health risks associated with elevated metal concentrations. A total of ten groundwater samples (five each from boreholes and wells) were collected and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results revealed varying concentrations of the targeted metals across different locations. Notably, lead and cadmium levels in several samples exceeded WHO permissible limits, raising health concerns due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation potential. Zinc and copper remained within safe limits, while iron and chromium exhibited slightly elevated levels in select areas. The findings suggest that anthropogenic activities such as industrial waste disposal, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation practices contribute significantly to groundwater contamination in Gboko. The discussion emphasises the urgent need for improved waste management and regular monitoring to prevent long-term public health risks. In conclusion, while some groundwater sources in Gboko remain safe, others pose serious health threats due to high heavy metal concentrations. It is recommended that local authorities enforce stricter environmental regulations and promote public awareness to ensure access to safe drinking water.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.62292/njp.v34i1.2025.390
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
