Ecotoxicological and Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater in Kano: Determining the Areas of Pollutants and the Health Hazards
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The paper is a detailed evaluation of groundwater quality across rural and urban settings in the Kano region using systematic sampling, geospatial analysis, and state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Water samples were taken from boreholes and wells in accordance with established protocols that ensure sample integrity and provide spatial reference to land use and pollution sources. Such methods of analysis included Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace metals and major ions, spectrophotometry for geochemical parameters, isotope tracing of recharge and salinity sources, and bioassays to assess ecological risk. Findings showed a high level of spatial heterogeneity in cation content; high levels of sodium, magnesium, and calcium were associated with natural geochemical and anthropogenic sources of pollution, including urbanisation and industrialisation. There were intermittent but alarming concentrations of trace metals, including Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and As, and some sites exceeded safety levels, reflecting both industrial pollution and natural mineralisation. The HI calculations identified eight urban hotspots with non carcinogenic risks, largely due to zinc overexposure, with the highest at Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road (HI=27.6) and Kano Municipal locations. In the long-term exposure assessment using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ), heavy metals were found to pose some hazards, necessitating ongoing monitoring. This was done through geochemical facies analysis and isotopic data to explain the sources of recharge, salinity development, and anthropogenic effects, and bioassays proved ecotoxicological hazards in the hotspots of pollution. The results highlight the importance of targeted pollution management, routine water quality monitoring, and community involvement to protect the health and ecological safety of the population. Strict effluent laws, use of remediation technologies and the encouraged to keep groundwater management sustainable in Kano.
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