Research Article Published: July 6, 2025 Volume 1, Issue 4 Pages 33-46

Risk Based Assessment of Groundwater Contamination from Domestic Water Sources: A Case for Sustainable Water Safety

Authors

Isaac Enuma*1

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria

Adewumi Adegoroye2

Affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abraham Ajayi3

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Edo State, Nigeria

Fateemah Oladipupo4

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Osun State University, Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Aghogho Obukonise5

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

Adaolisa Princewill6

Affiliation: Department of Sustainable Environmental Studies, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Izuchukwu Enoch7

Affiliation: Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

* Corresponding author

Submitted: May 30, 2025

Approved: June 17, 2025

Published: July 6, 2025

Abstract

Groundwater quality in Ute Community, Ikpoba Okha L.G.A. (Edo State, Nigeria), was evaluated through a comprehensive hydrogeochemical analysis of twelve borehole samples to assess suitability for domestic use. Physicochemical and bacteriological parameters—including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals (Cd, Pb), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), and microbial contaminants (E. coli, total coliforms)—were analyzed using standardized protocols and compared against WHO (2021) and NSDWQ (2007) guidelines. Results revealed that 75% of samples exhibited acidic pH (5.98–6.41), exceeding permissible limits, while cadmium concentrations (0.06–0.61 mg/L) consistently surpassed WHO thresholds (0.003 mg/L). Nitrate levels (30.55–65.85 mg/L) in 75% of samples indicated anthropogenic pollution, likely from agricultural runoff. Although TDS (55.49–206.04 mg/L) and turbidity (0.68–3.19 NTU) complied with standards, persistent fecal coliform contamination (1.60–5.10 cfu/mL) highlighted risks of groundwater vulnerability due to shallow aquifer depths (2.75–6.0 m). This study underscores the imperative for targeted water treatment interventions, community education on pollution mitigation, and policy reforms to safeguard groundwater resources in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Keywords

Groundwater contamination Hydro geochemistry Borehole water quality Heavy metals Microbial pathogens Water safety index Anthropogenic pollution Edo State aquifer Nigeria Drinking water standards Public health risk

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Complete research article with detailed methodology, results, and references (Pages 33-46).

How to Cite

APA Style:

Enuma, I., Adegoroye, A., Ajayi, A., Oladipupo, F., Obukonise, A., Princewill, A., & Enoch, I. (2025). Risk Based Assessment of Groundwater Contamination from Domestic Water Sources: A Case for Sustainable Water Safety. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 1(4), 33-46. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15817632

IEEE Style:

I. Enuma, A. Adegoroye, A. Ajayi, F. Oladipupo, A. Obukonise, A. Princewill, and I. Enoch, "Risk Based Assessment of Groundwater Contamination from Domestic Water Sources: A Case for Sustainable Water Safety," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 33-46, 2025, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15817632.

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DOI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15817632