Physicochemical Characterization and Heavy Metals Assessment of Water Sources at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna

This study analyses water quality from raw dam water, treated water sources (BSG, BASCOF, AFIT), and residential supplies, focusing on physicochemical parameters and heavy metal contamination. Raw dam water exhibited high turbidity (22.70 NTU), low electrical conductivity (43.60 µS/cm), and moderate chloride (56.23 mg/L) and nitrate levels (8.50 mg/L), with a pH of 6.50 indicating slight acidity. Treatment improved water clarity and reduced turbidity, with BSG-treated water achieving 12.70 NTU and higher electrical conductivity (81.30 µS/cm). BASCOF-treated water demonstrated very low turbidity (1.25 NTU) and high electrical conductivity (111.70 µS/cm) but elevated nitrate (19.00 mg/L). AFIT-treated water showed low turbidity (0.92 NTU), moderate electrical conductivity (90.10 µS/cm), and increased nitrate (36.00 mg/L), iron (0.22 mg/L), and fluoride (0.01 mg/L), raising concerns about nitrate nearing regulatory limits. Residential water quality varied, with pH ranging from 5.4 to 6.6, electrical conductivity between 71.5–347 µS/cm, and turbidity levels of 0.63–6.66 NTU, with some exceeding acceptable thresholds. Heavy metal analysis revealed cadmium and chromium levels exceeding WHO and USEPA guidelines, posing health risks. Despite significant improvements in water quality post-treatment, continuous monitoring and targeted interventions in nitrate and heavy metal concentrations management are critical to ensure safe, consistent water supplies.