Application of HMTL and novel IWQI models in rural groundwater quality assessment: a case study in Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal toxicity load (HMTL) and novel integrated-weight water quality index (IWQI) were utilized in groundwater quality assessment of the Lower Cretaceous Abakaliki aquifer in Ameka area, Nigeria. Physicochemical analyses followed standard methods. Analysis of the water elemental composition showed high toxicity of elements. Hierarchical clusters showed the spatiotemporal demarcations of groundwater quality. IWQI result indicated that all the analyzed groundwater samples are unsuitable for drinking. Similarly, the HMTL revealed that all the samples are highly laden with toxic elements (As-Pb-Cd-Ni-Co-Cu-Mn-Zn) and further indicated that removing these elements from groundwater would reduce pollution by 97%, 92%, 60%, 89%, 98%, 50%, 98% and 94%, respectively.