Assessment of Drinking Water Quality Using Metal Index, Degree of Contamination and Hazard Indices on Ground Water Sources in an Agricultural Tropical Environment

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Authors

  • Andrew Tyopine
     Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike ,NG
  • Amobi C. Ekwe
     Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal Universiy, Ndufu-Alike ,NG
  • Olufemi V. Omonona
     Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal Universiy, Ndufu-Alike ,NG
  • George-Best Azuoko
     Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal Universiy, Ndufu-Alike ,NG
  • Esther Onyinyechi Oji
     Department of Chemistry, Gregory university, Uturu, Abia State ,NG
  • Ndubuisi Godstime Igwebuike
     Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville ,ZA
  • Chigbundu Nduadim Emeruwa
     Department of Chemical Science, Rhema University, Aba ,NG
  • Ayomide Blessing Olusegun
     Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcort, Rivers State ,NG
  • Joseph Onyekweli Osakwe
     QA/QC laboratory, Technical Services Department, Notore Chemical University PLC, Onne, Rivers State ,NG
  • Onyeije Ugomma Chibuzo
     Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka ,NG

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/ti/2023/v30i1/29016

Keywords:

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

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.

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Published

2023-03-20

How to Cite

Tyopine, A., Ekwe, A. C., Omonona, O. V., Azuoko, G.-B., Oji, E. O., Igwebuike, N. G., Emeruwa, C. N., Olusegun, A. B., Osakwe, J. O., & Chibuzo, O. U. (2023). Assessment of Drinking Water Quality Using Metal Index, Degree of Contamination and Hazard Indices on Ground Water Sources in an Agricultural Tropical Environment. Toxicology International, 30(1), 29–39. https://doi.org/10.18311/ti/2023/v30i1/29016

Issue

Volume 30, Issue 1, January-March 2023

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC
Received 2021-11-21
Accepted 2022-03-30
Published 2023-03-20

 

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