Contamination levels of water sources and the associated nitrate health risks to six age groups
Johnbosco C. Egbueri, Chibuike F. Ikwuka, Johnson C. Agbasi, Nchekwube D. Nweke, Samyah Salem Refadah, Vincent E. Nwazelibe, Henry C. Uwajingba, Sani I. Abba, Mohd Yawar Ali Khan
Abstract
Advancements in health risk assessment are vital for protecting public health. This study’s objectives were to analyze the degree of nitrate contamination, the multi-route health risks to six age groups, and the potential sources of water contaminants in a Nigerian suburban area. Nitrate pollution index (NPI) results were between −1.00 and 0.06, indicating low human impact. According to the nitrate health risk analysis, infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months were more vulnerable, whereas humans between the ages of 20 and > 60 have lower risks. This may be due to the fact that infants have bodily tissues that are more vulnerable to potentially toxic contaminants. For all six age categories, the risk associated with ingestion was greater than the risk associated with dermal contact. Varimax-rotated factor analysis with five principal component extractions revealed that the sources of the water contaminants varied from geogenic processes to human-initiated activities.