Heavy Metal and the Mineral Ions Assessment of Borehole Water Used in Port Harcourt Oil Refinery Host Communities

Abstract

This study presents the findings of an assessment conducted to determine the levels of heavy metals and mineral ions in borehole water used in the Port Harcourt oil refinery host communities. The study area comprised six selected communities located in the vicinity of the oil refinery in Rivers State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from various boreholes in each community and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations and mineral ion content within the World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Standard for Drinking water Quality (NSDWQ) standard. The results revealed significant variations in heavy metal and mineral ion levels across the selected communities, with some areas exhibiting elevated concentrations of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These heavy metals are known to pose health risks to humans, even at low concentrations, and raise concerns about the safety of the borehole water for consumption and agricultural use. It is highly recommended that borehole water in Port Harcourt Refinery be properly and routinely investigated as well as other water parameters checked. And Nigerian government in partnership with Non-governmental organization should conduct water security mapping to help identify vulnerable areas (communities) where there is high water stress such that the areas are given priority in borehole allocation