Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risk Implications in Borehole and Sachet Water Sources of Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Safe drinking water is vital to human health, making its quality a critical concern. This study evaluates the concentrations of selected heavy metals Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Aluminum (Al), Chromium (Cr), and Copper (Cu) and their associated health risks in borehole and sachet water within Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. Ten water samples (five borehole and five sachet brands) were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Agilent AA Duo model). Most physicochemical parameters fell within WHO and NSDWQ limits, with pH ranging from 6.63–7.23, Electrical Conductivity 135- 445 µS/cm, Turbidity 0.36 – 2.33 NTU, Alkalinity 60-300 mg/L, Total Hardness 31-77 mg/L and TDS from 30–373 mg/L. Borehole samples showed elevated Fe (0.61–3.12 mg/L) and Cu (0.10–0.38 mg/L), while sachet water remained within permissible limits. Chromium was undetected in sachet water samples. Health risk assessment using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) revealed HQ values <1 for all metals, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk. However, one borehole sample showed an HI >1 in children, suggesting potential concern with prolonged exposure.