ISABB Journal of
Health and Environmental Sciences

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AFRICAN BIOTECHNOLOGISTS AND BIOSCIENTISTS
  • Abbreviation: ISABB J. Health Environ. sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1937-3236
  • DOI: 10.5897/ISABB-JHE
  • Start Year: 2011
  • Published Articles: 18

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of artisanal mining on water quality: An assessment of water sources in local communities in Anka, Northwest Nigeria

Mbet Amos Akpanowo
  • Mbet Amos Akpanowo
  • Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Nsikak Benson
  • Nsikak Benson
  • Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Godwin Bassey Ekong
  • Godwin Bassey Ekong
  • Department of Radiological Safety, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Ibrahim Umaru
  • Ibrahim Umaru
  • Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Shekwonyadu Iyakwari
  • Shekwonyadu Iyakwari
  • Department of Geology, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Samson Dauda Yusuf
  • Samson Dauda Yusuf
  • Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 15 January 2023
  •  Accepted: 06 January 2025
  •  Published: 31 January 2025

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in water sources within Anka, Northwest Nigeria, poses a growing health concern. This study assesses the extent of contamination levels, sources, and ecotoxicological risks associated with heavy metals in drinking water from the mining environment. Water samples were obtained from streams, the Anka River, grazing ponds, and pipe-borne water. The study analyzed heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), utilizing a Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES). The mean concentrations (mg/L) were Cd (0.006), Co (0.020), Cr (0.002), Cu (0.129), Fe (0.302), Hg (0.205), Ni (0.020), Pb (0.510), and Zn (0.217). Pollution levels were assessed using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), and the Degree of Contamination (Cd). Results showed Hg, Pb, and Cd as major contributors to contamination, primarily from mining and mineral processing activities. These contaminated water sources can pose substantial risks to humans and the environment, particularly for drinking, domestic, and agricultural uses. Hence, it is crucial to implement effective measures to control discharges from artisanal mining and processing activities in Anka. 
 
Key words: Artisanal mining, heavy metals, pollution indices, water, WHO, contamination.