Browsing by Author "Aigbadon, G.O."

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    Integrating Multivariate Modelling and Health Risk Assessment to Decipher Groundwater Quality Dynamics in A Rapidly Urbanizing Basement Terrain of Akure, Southwestern Nigeria.
    (University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Publisher / UTS Press, 2026) Osisanya, W.O.; Akakuru, O.C.; Eyankware, M.O.; Aigbadon, G.O.; Ukor, K.P.
    Groundwater constitutes a critical source of domestic water in Akure, southwestern Nigeria, yet rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities increasingly hreaten its quality. This study evaluated the hydrogeochemical characteristics and health risks associated with groundwater in the crystalline Basement Complex terrain of Akure. Twentyone groundwater samples from motorized boreholes and hand-dug wells were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, major ions, and heavy metals to assess water quality and potential health implications. Hydrogeochemical facies classification shows that 77.3% of the samples fall within Geochemical Zone IV (strong acids exceeding weak acids), while 22.7% belong to Zone III (weak acids exceeding strong acids). The dominant ionic order (Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ + K⁺ > HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Ca²⁺) suggests that groundwater chemistry is primarily controlled by silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution processes. Water Quality Index (WQI) results indicate that several groundwater sources require treatment prior to consumption. Contamination Factor (CF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) reveal generally low contamination levels, although the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) highlights localized heavy-metal enrichment. Multivariate statistical analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted three principal components (PC1–PC3) that explain the dominant hydrogeochemical processes and differentiate between geogenic contributions and minor anthropogenic inputs. Health risk assessment indicates that exposure to Pb, Cd, and Ni through groundwater ingestion may pose potential non-carcinogenic risks, particularly for children, as reflected by elevated Hazard Index (HI) values. Overall, the findings highlight emerging groundwater quality concerns in the rapidly urbanizing Akure region and underscore the need for regular monitoring, improved groundwater management, and sustainable watersafety strategies in crystalline basement aquifers. The study contributes to improved understanding of groundwater quality dynamics in rapidly urbanizing crystalline basement aquifers.