Evaluation of Heavy Metal Levels and Contamination Indices of Groundwater Sources in Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Global concern over heavy metal pollution in groundwater resources has recently increased because of its potential impact on public health. Evidence shows that unsafe water is responsible for approximately 1.2 million deaths yearly, prompting a surge in research on groundwater quality worldwide, particularly in developing nations. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the heavy metal levels and contamination indices of groundwater sources in the Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods. Findings indicate that a significant majority (67%) of the pollution metrics demonstrated high levels of heavy metal contamination, exceeding the established threshold values, suggesting its unsuitability for consumption. Also, correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association (p <.05) between the pollution indices, particularly with Pb, suggesting its role as a prevalent contaminant affecting the groundwater quality. Our findings demonstrate the varying extent of groundwater contamination and emphasise the importance of a multi-index approach in presenting a holistic overview of the status of groundwater pollution, with significant implications for improving water quality in the study area and for strategic planning and intervention in water quality monitoring and surveillance.