POLLUTION LOAD AND HEALTH RISK INDICES OF DOMESTIC WATER SOURCES IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF LANGTANG AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

Potential health risk of metals in domestic water sources to the local population of Langtang area in Plateau State and their possible sources was investigated. Forty water samples, 20 each from surface and groundwater sources were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer method for 26 parameters and compared with the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Results revealed that turbidity, Fe, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Al, pesticides and phenols seriously polluted, while coliform bacteria strongly polluted in surface water. In groundwater, only turbidity, Fe, Pb and phenols constituted serious pollutants, while Ca and Mg were strong pollutants. Chronic Daily Intakes (CDIs) of metals were in the following order; Fe > Cu > Pb >As > Cd > F > Al >Mn >Zn > Pesticides >Cr > phenols in surface water, and Fe >F >Cu >Zn >Pb >Al >Mn >Cr >As >pesticides >phenols >Cd in groundwater. Health Risk Indices (HRIs) of metals were present in the order of A