ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK LEVEL OF GROUNDWATER AROUND A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN UBETA COMMUNITY, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract This study assessed the potential human health risks level of groundwater sampled around construction site in Ubeta community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, Groundwater samples were collected from two boreholes over three months and analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Hg, Cu, Zn) using standard methods. The heavy metal concentrations were compared against Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while human health risks were evaluated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency risk assessment model for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects via ingestion and dermal exposure pathways for adults and children. The results revealed that heavy metal concentrations were within permissible limits for both NSDWQ and WHO throughout the monitoring period. Health risk assessment showed hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indices (HI) for all the sampled heavy metals were below 1 while their lifetime carcinogenic risks were also lower than 10⁻⁶ for all heavy metals investigated. The study concluded that despite episodic perturbations, the shallow aquifer’s high recharge rate and natural attenuation mechanisms effectively preserved the potability of the groundwater. This also highlight the resilience of high-permeability coastal aquifers to construction impacts when basic pollution controls are in place, supporting sustainable infrastructure development while contributing to clean water and sanitation. Keywords: Health Risk Level, Groundwater, Construction Site, Ubeta Community