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Assessment of Water Quality and Emerging Contaminants in Kura LGA, Kano State, Nigeria
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Researchers assessed groundwater quality across ten wards in northern Nigeria and detected microplastics at 4–20 particles per liter alongside pesticide and fertilizer residues, with higher contamination levels during the rainy season and in open wells compared to boreholes, indicating emerging pollutant risks layered on top of existing microbial contamination concerns.
Abstract This study evaluated the suitability of groundwater for domestic use in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, between October 2025 and January 2026. Water samples were collected from boreholes and hand-dug wells across ten wards using standard sampling procedures. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates, phosphates, and hardness, as well as for microbial indicators such as Escherichia coli and total coliforms. In addition, the presence of emerging contaminants (pesticide residues, fertilizer residues, and microplastics) and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Br) was assessed. The results showed that groundwater pH values (6.4–7.3) were slightly below the recommended range of the World Health Organization for drinking water, while most other physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations were within permissible limits. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of E. coli (8–150 CFU/100 mL) and total coliforms (40–400 CFU/100 mL), indicating varying degrees of microbial contamination, particularly in well water sources. Emerging contaminants were detected at low but notable levels, including pesticide residues (0.02–0.09 mg/L), fertilizer residues (0.6–1.6 mg/L), and microplastics (4–20 particles/L). Seasonal variations were evident, with higher turbidity, nutrient concentrations, microbial loads, and contaminant levels observed during the late rainy season (October), largely due to agricultural runoff and surface infiltration. These parameters declined towards the dry season (DecemberJanuary), while dissolved oxygen levels increased. Wells consistently showed higher contamination levels compared to boreholes. Correlation analysis further revealed strong relationships among turbidity, nutrient levels, and microbial indicators. Overall, the findings indicate that while groundwater in the study area is generally within acceptable limits for most chemical parameters, microbial contamination and emerging pollutants pose potential health risks. The study underscores the need for regular monitoring, improved sanitation practices, and protection of groundwater sources to ensure safe and sustainable domestic water supply.
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Assessment of Water Quality and Emerging Contaminants in Kura LGA, Kano State, Nigeria
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Researchers assessed groundwater quality across ten wards in Kura, Nigeria, detecting microplastics at 4–20 particles per liter alongside pesticide residues and fecal coliforms, with contamination peaking in the rainy season due to agricultural runoff and hand-dug wells consistently showing higher pollutant loads than boreholes.
Occurrence of Microplastics, Pesticide Residues, and Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Kura Local Government Area, Nigeria
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Researchers review global evidence on microplastic, pesticide, and heavy metal co-occurrence in surface water and identify a near-total absence of integrated multi-contaminant assessments in West Africa, establishing scientific rationale for baseline field investigations in Nigeria's agriculturally intensive Kura Local Government Area.
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This review identifies a critical gap in water quality research: no studies have simultaneously characterized microplastic, pesticide, and heavy metal co-occurrence in Nigerian surface waters, despite intensive irrigation agriculture in regions like Kura LGA, where plastic debris, agrochemicals, and metal inputs converge and microplastics can act as vectors for the other contaminants.
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