ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION OF BOREHOLE WATER IN FEMALE HOSTEL IN AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC
Abstract
A borehole supplying the female hostel at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua was analyzed for five heavy metals. Measured concentrations (mg/L) were Zn 7.451 ± 0.055, Cu 3.695 ± 0.016, Cr 1.032 ± 0.030, Pb 0.357 ± 0.022 and Cd 0.289 ± 0.032. Each value exceeds WHO guideline values for drinking water, with the largest relative exceedances for Cd and Pb. Comparisons with recent Nigerian groundwater studies show similar patterns of contamination. Elevated concentrations of these metals present clear non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks (renal, neurological, gastrointestinal, bone and developmental effects). Immediate remedial actions, source investigation and regular monitoring are recommended.
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