Multivariate Study of Heavy Metals, Dissolved Salts and Physicochemical Properties of Shetiko River Water, Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Nigeria's extensive inland water resources are a significant asset, but they face severe threats from pollution driven by rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and inadequate waste management. The Shetiko River, like many others, plays a crucial role in supporting human activities such as sanitation, transportation, and irrigation. However, its vulnerability to contamination, particularly from untreated domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste, has led to ecological degradation, changes in ecosystem functions, and heightened health risks. This study analyzed water quality dynamics of Shetiko River by examining factors influencing heavy metals, physicochemical properties, and salinity (ionic content). Shetiko is located in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Factor Analysis and Independent t-tests were used to identify the dimensionality and variation in water quality of Shetiko River. A rotated factor matrix identified three primary dimensions of water quality: heavy metal pollution (Factor 1), general physicochemical conditions (Factor 2), and ionic/salinity contributions (Factor 3). Seasonal variations indicated higher heavy metal and salinity levels during the wet season due to runoff, while the dry season exhibited more stable physicochemical properties. Locational differences revealed elevated heavy metal concentrations downstream, linked to anthropogenic activities, and higher salinity levels upstream, influenced by geological factors. Physicochemical conditions showed minimal variation across locations. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted water management strategies addressing seasonal and spatial variations to safeguard water resources and mitigate pollution impacts.