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.