Geological and Anthropogenic Sources of Tin, Zinc, Cadmium, and Vanadium in Western Sokoto Basin Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

This study investigates the geological and anthropogenic sources of Tin, zinc, cadmium, and vanadium in the western Sokoto Basin, employing multivariate statistical analysis to understand their distribution, interactions, and implications for groundwater quality and environmental management. In Western Sokoto, Nigeria, this research investigates water quality in terms of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity (TUR), and concentration of some heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), and Tin (Sn). The study employed both in-situ and laboratory analysis. The physical parameters were analysed in situ using hand-held meters. Heavy metals were analysed using an MP-AES machine (Model 4200). The study further applied Principal Component Analysis to analyse the data. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) among the parameters, the results showed that EC, TDS, Zn, and V can be described as highly correlated. The combination of these parameters explains 33.042% of the total variance in water quality. In addition, Sn independently accounts for 21.863% of independent information, thus giving a total explanation of 55% overall variability of the dataset. Spatial examination shows different effects of these pollution sources, industrial and agricultural activities, on contamination levels in water quality. The unmitigated concentrations of Cd and Sn's incidences pose high environmental and public health threats. The findings highlight the important role of dissolved ions and heavy metal concentrations on water quality effects that significantly affect regional water resources management. Amongst the significant recommendations are continuous monitoring of water quality to identify pollution hotspots, enforcement of pollution control measures, and targeted remediation in areas with high levels of Cd and Sn. Awareness of water contamination risks and strengthened environmental policies on waste management and water protection are also necessary for sustainable water quality management. The study, therefore, emphasises localized strategies to mitigate contamination and protect water resources concerning the western part of the Sokoto basin.