Heavy metal analysis of drinking water supply, wastewater management, and human health risk assessment across secondary schools in Badagry coastal community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate drinking water and wastewater management facilities, as well as the health risk associated with heavy metal contamination of available water sources among Badagry schools. According to Joint Monitoring Program classification, majority (60%) of the schools provided basic water service, 10% limited service, whereas 30% provided no service. Water quality parameters such as pH, Pb, Cr, Cd, and E. Coli count were above the permissible limits in both public and private schools. None of the schools had wastewater management facilities, thereby leading to ponding. Pb and Cr posed a carcinogenic risk to the consumers as they exceeded the permissible 10−5. Even though majority of the schools provided basic water service, the contamination of majority of the water sources and the absence of structured-drainage channels in all the schools was bothersome. Prompt intervention is required to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the students’ health.