Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in water resources around maibokati mining site, Bali L.G.A Taraba State, Nigeria

Mining activities in Nigeria, particularly artisanal and small-scale operations, pose significant risks to water quality due to heavy metal contamination. This study evaluated the concentrations of toxic metals including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) in water samples collected from the Maibokati mining region in Bali L.G.A, Taraba State, Nigeria, during wet and dry seasons. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), results revealed severe contamination, with iron levels (1.4901 ppm) exceeding WHO and NSDWQ limits (0.3000 ppm) by nearly fivefold, and lead concentrations (0.0245 ppm) surpassing permissible thresholds (0.0100 ppm) by 2.5 times. Chromium (0.1000 ppm) also doubled the guideline value (0.0500 ppm), indicating potential carcinogenic risks. Seasonal analysis highlighted elevated metal loads during the wet season, likely due to runoff from mining sites. Negative values for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in control samples suggested methodological challenges. The findings stress urgent regulatory and remediation needs to mitigate neurotoxic, carcinogenic, and systemic health risks for local communities reliant on these water resources.