Toxicology International (Formerly Indian Journal of Toxicology)

Andrew Tyopine ¹, Amobi C. Ekwe ², Olufemi V. Omonona ², George-Best Azuoko ², Esther Onyinyechi Oji ³, Ndubuisi Godstime Igwebuike ⁴, Chigbundu Nduadim Emeruwa ⁵, Ayomide Blessing Olusegun ⁶, Joseph Onyekweli Osakwe ⁷, Onyeije Ugomma Chibuzo ⁸

Affiliations
1 Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, NG
2 Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal Universiy, Ndufu-Alike, NG
3 Department of Chemistry, Gregory university, Uturu, Abia State, NG
4 Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, ZA
5 Department of Chemical Science, Rhema University, Aba, NG
6 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcort, Rivers State, NG
7 QA/QC laboratory, Technical Services Department, Notore Chemical University PLC, Onne, Rivers State, NG
8 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, NG

Abstract

The study conducted in the dry and rainy seasons of 2019 assessed the levels of metals in groundwater sampled from boreholes and dug wells in Ikwo, southeastern Nigeria. Nine water samples were analysed for calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and aluminium using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Analysis showed higher metal concentrations in the rainy season, except for manganese whose concentrations were higher in the dry season. The levels of the metals exceeded permissible limits in both seasons except for calcium. The metal indices were not greater than 2, while all degrees of contamination was less than 1. This collaborative classification of both metal index and degrees of contamination suggests that the water samples were safe to drink. The health risks assessed by Hazard Indices (HI) were classified into low and medium (≥ 0.1 to < 4) levels of chronic risks. The HI values were evaluated for both children and adults. The HI values were predominantly medium for children and low for adults. All indices for water quality evaluation agree that groundwater in the study area is of minimal contamination hence, no immediate threat to health. Therefore to ensure quality water supply, sustainable monitoring of water quality is recommended in the study area.

Keywords

Degree of Contamination, Groundwater, Health Risk Assessment, Ikwo, Metals, Metal Index, Water Quality.

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