Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science

GLOBAL JOURNAL OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 2636-6002
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJEES
Start Year: 2016
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Health risk assessment of borehole water quality in Okpoma, Yala LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria using spectrophotometric techniques

https://doi.org/10.31248/GJEES2025.195   |   Article Number: 802588F11   |   Vol.11 (2) - April 2026

Received Date: 12 May 2025   |   Accepted Date: 25 February 2026  |   Published Date: 30 April 2026

Authors:  Benjamin U. Nwaka* , Chukwuemeka N. Ehirim , Confidence N. Amanze-Njoku , Eunice I. Akunya , Victor N. Nwugha , Mary N. Fidelis , Chukwuemeka A. Osueke and David Amala

Keywords: contaminants, lithology, statistics, remediation, Anthropogenic sources, borehole water, water quality parameters, World Health Organisation.

ABSTRACT

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A saltwater lake is found in Okpoma, located in Yala Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State, Nigeria. Natural and anthropogenic sources of contaminants may have seeped into the near – surface groundwater with a likelihood of contamination of borehole water in the study locations, resulting in possible exposure of consumers to health risk of acute and chronic toxicity. The populace drinks water from borehole faucets from groundwater. Borehole water was randomly selected for investigation from four (4) different locations within the saltwater lake. The experimental group labelled BWA, BWB, and BWC were in the range of 1.5 km, while BWD, used as a control, was at 3.0 km farther from the salt water lake. Using standard analytical procedures (APHA) and measuring instruments, physical, chemical and heavy metal analyses were carried out to measure and evaluate if borehole water samples are fresh and safe as drinkable water. For the experimental group, twenty per cent (20%) of the parameters comprising lead (19.98±1.40 μg L-1), copper (1,500±131.40 μg L-1) and arsenic (13.49±0.61 μg L-1) concentrations exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limit for lead (10 μg L-1), copper (1,000 μg L-1), arsenic (10 μg L-1), while other physical and chemical parameters (80%) were within the permissible limit, similar to the control. Borehole water samples from Borehole B (BWB) recorded the highest mean concentrations for lead, copper and arsenic, while the lowest mean concentrations were found in Borehole A (BWA). Potential non – cancer (CDI, HQ, HI) and cancer (ILCR, and TCR) human health risk parameter/effects were also determined and reported. CDI, HQ, HI, ILCR, and TCR of the experimental group exceeded those of the control. Health risk due to heavy metal toxicity is expected over a long period. Further investigation, including the nearby stream and river, is suggested. Continuous monitoring, physical and chemical remediation, among other proper treatment techniques, are necessary before consumption of borehole water investigated in the study area.

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