Research Article

Health Risk Assessment of heavy metal contaminated Groundwater in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State

Abstract

Heavy metals contamination of groundwater poses serious public health risks due to their toxic and carcinogenic effects. This study evaluated the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in groundwater from public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Groundwater samples were collected from Rivers State University (RSU), Ignatius Ajuru University (IAU), and the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and iron (Fe) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), non-carcinogenic risks, and carcinogenic risks were assessed. Results revealed widespread contamination, with concentrations consistently exceeding WHO and Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) limits. Pb (0.020–0.120 mg/L) and Cd (0.026–0.198 mg/L) were particularly elevated, while Cr (0.007–0.074 mg/L) and Fe (0.607–1.286 mg/L) also exceeded permissible levels. HPI values were all greater than 100, indicative of high contamination of heavy metals in the groundwater. Non-carcinogenic risk assessments showed Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Pb and Cd far above the acceptable risk limit of 1. Similarly, Hazard Index (HI) values was greater than 1, indicating significant cumulative health risks. Carcinogenic risk values for Cd and Cr exceeded acceptable thresholds, suggesting cancer risk. Principal Component Analysis and hierarchical cluster confirmed distinct pollution sources contributing to the observed contamination patterns. These findings show considerable public health risks from heavy metal contamination in groundwater across the study sites. Immediate interventions, including regular monitoring, improved water treatment, and stricter water quality management strategies, are urgently required to safeguard the health of university communities in Rivers State.