Distribution and Risk Assessment of Pollution Levels in Underground Water Sources of Selected Areas of Karu.

The problem of underground water quality is a significant concern in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to assess the quality of underground water in urban areas to ensure its safety. The samples of underground water were collected in duplicates from ten boreholes sources within each of the five areas of Karu LGA studied, such as Mararaba, Ado, New Nyanya, Masaka and Auta. The physical and chemical properties of water, include pH, temperature, turbidity, and conductivity were determined using standard methods. Water quality index and multivariate analysis were carried out to identify pollution sources. Some of the heavy metals (Cr and Cd) were above the permissible limits but didn’t pose grave danger to water use. Principal component analysis could account for over 80% of variation and in combination with hierarchical cluster analysis was able to identify the sources of pollution in urban Karu to be a combination of anthropogenic activities and leaching of underlying minerals. Water quality index values were <25, which is considered to be excellent and low risk, hence fit for consumption. The study will help to provide information on the safety of the water for human consumption, agricultural use, and other purposes.