Home / Current Issue / Paper 1706674
Impact of Anthropogenic Activities On Groundwater Quality: A Case Study from Mbo Lga, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Groundwater Quality
Abstract
The coastal areas of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, are vital hubs of socioeconomic activity, including oil exploration, fisheries, tourism, and urbanization. However, these anthropogenic activities contribute to heavy metal pollution in water sources, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. This study assessed heavy metal concentrations in water samples from seven boreholes in the area using atomic absorption spectrometry. Metals analyzed included lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Results revealed that metals like Pb, Fe, and Ni exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in several sites, particularly Sites 1, 5, and 7, indicating severe contamination. A Metal Index (MI) analysis underscored the urgent need for remediation in these locations. While trace metals like Zn, Cu, and Mn are essential for biological processes, their elevated levels can be toxic, alongside the highly detrimental effects of lead and cadmium. Recommendations include prioritizing remediation efforts, regular monitoring, stricter industrial regulations, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate health risks. This study highlights the necessity for sustainable management of water resources to ensure environmental and public health.
Keywords
Anthropogenic activities, environmental contamination, heavy metals, pollution, health risks
How to cite this paper
@article{1706674,
author = {Essang, Mfonobong Shaineze, Adigun, Adepoju Ibraheem, Godwin Nkechinyere Florence, Racheal Suoyo-Anthony Aziababein},
title = {Impact of Anthropogenic Activities On Groundwater Quality: A Case Study from Mbo Lga, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2024},
volume = {8},
number = {6},
pages = {973-982},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1706674.pdf},
abstract = {The coastal areas of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, are vital hubs of socioeconomic activity, including oil exploration, fisheries, tourism, and urbanization. However, these anthropogenic activities contribute to heavy metal pollution in water sources, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. This study assessed heavy metal concentrations in water samples from seven boreholes in the area using atomic absorption spectrometry. Metals analyzed included lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Results revealed that metals like Pb, Fe, and Ni exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in several sites, particularly Sites 1, 5, and 7, indicating severe contamination. A Metal Index (MI) analysis underscored the urgent need for remediation in these locations. While trace metals like Zn, Cu, and Mn are essential for biological processes, their elevated levels can be toxic, alongside the highly detrimental effects of lead and cadmium. Recommendations include prioritizing remediation efforts, regular monitoring, stricter industrial regulations, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate health risks. This study highlights the necessity for sustainable management of water resources to ensure environmental and public health.},
keywords = {Anthropogenic activities, environmental contamination, heavy metals, pollution, health risks},
month = {December},
}