Assessment of Borehole Water Quality and Health Risks in Enugu North Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the water quality of selected boreholes in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria, focusing on both the physico-chemical as well as the concentrations of heavy metals and their associated health risks. A cross-sectional analytical design was adopted to evaluate the current state of borehole water in the area for a duration of six months. A total of twelve borehole water samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals, including manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and iron (Fe). The study assessed the potential health risks posed by these heavy metals by evaluating the Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) for both ingestion and dermal exposure, as well as the Cancer Risk (CR) for ingestion and dermal exposure based on standard guidelines. The results revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals across the samples, with some exceeding safe limits for safe drinking water, particularly for Ni and Cr. Health risk assessments indicated that certain borehole water samples posed significant risks, especially for children, due to higher concentrations of toxic metals. The Hazard Quotients for both adults and children, as well as the Hazard Indices, suggested that the water from some of the boreholes could potentially result in adverse health effects over prolonged exposure. Cancer risk values for both ingestion and dermal exposure further emphasized the potential long-term risks associated with consuming or using water from certain boreholes. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and regulation of water quality in the study area and recommended that water treatment systems be implemented in areas with elevated heavy metal concentrations. This study reveals the importance of ensuring safe drinking water for public health protection in Enugu North LGA and similar regions in Nigeria.