Browsing by Author "Ukulu, H.S."

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    Heavy Metal Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater in Osubi, and it environ, Delta State, Nigeria
    (Faculty of Science Applied and Health Science, Anchor University Lagos, 2025) Osisanya, W.O.; OnifadeY.S.; Auta, T.A .; Ukulu, H.S.
    This study evaluated the concentrations and potential health risks of selected heavy metals in groundwater resources within Osubi, Delta State, Nigeria, a rapidly urbanizing region influenced by industrial, domestic, and oil-related activities. Groundwater samples were analyzed for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, and B, and the results were assessed using contamination indices (Cf, PLI, DOC, MPI) and multivariate statistical tools (CM, ICM, PCA, CSC, TVE). The findings revealed that the concentrations of the studied metals were largely below critical contamination thresholds, with spatial mapping highlighting localized hotspots near Osubi Airport, Winner Chapel Osubi, Usman, BM, and CNAW. Health risk assessment showed that hazard quotient (HQ) values for both children and adults were all below 1, indicating no immediate non-carcinogenic risks. However, children exhibited higher HQs than adults due to their greater intake per unit body weight, underscoring their heightened vulnerability. While Fe, Mn, and Zn were present at non-hazardous levels, Cr, Cd, and Pb, although below threshold values, require close monitoring because of their toxicity and cumulative effects. Weak inter-metal correlations suggest multiple diffuse sources, likely from anthropogenic activities such as waste disposal and effluent discharge. Overall, the study indicates low to negligible pollution levels in Osubi groundwater but emphasizes the need for proactive measures, including regular monitoring, simple household water treatment practices, improved public awareness, and stricter regulation of industrial discharges to safeguard groundwater quality. Sustaining these relatively low contamination levels is critical for ensuring long-term water safety and public health in the Osubi community.