Geochemical Assessment Of Some Potentially Toxic And Non-Essential Elements In Groundwater Of Kaduna Polytechnic Main Campus

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics and potential contamination of groundwater within the Kaduna Polytechnic Main Campus. Piper plot analysis reveals that the water samples predominantly exhibit a Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻—SO₄²⁻ type, indicating a mixture of alkaline earth and strong acid anion concentrations. Electrical conductivity (EC) values in the samples ranged from 365 to 1790 μS/cm, reflecting variations in ion concentrations. Nitrate levels in some samples were alarmingly high, ranging from 27.20 mg/l to 131.00 mg/l, surpassing the WHO permissible limit of 45 mg/l. Arsenic concentrations varied between 0.015 and 0.125 mg/l, with certain samples exceeding the WHO guideline of 0.01-0.05 mg/l. Cadmium concentrations were particularly concerning, ranging from 0.604 mg/l to 0.766 mg/l, significantly above the WHO limit of 0.03 mg/l. Chromium concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 0.25 mg/l, with some samples exceeding the WHO limit of 0.05 mg/l. Nickel concentrations ranged from 0.078 mg/l to 0.128 mg/l, surpassing the WHO limit of 0.01 mg/l in all samples. Mercury concentrations were exceptionally high, ranging from 2.357 mg/l to 3.807 mg/l, far exceeding the WHO limit of 0.02 mg/l. These findings suggest that the groundwater quality within the Kaduna Polytechnic Main Campus is compromised by a range of emerging contaminants, likely stemming from anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, agricultural practices, and nearby mechanical operations. Urgent intervention is required to mitigate potential health risks and protect the groundwater resources of the area.