Poverty induced artisanal mining impact on municipal water utilities; the case of kpapi river in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

That unemployment, poverty, artisanal mining, and community vulnerability are interwoven is re-emphasizing the reality of life. This study assesses the effect of artisanal mining activities on River Kpapi and the adjoining settlements in Minna putting into consideration Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8). Observatory field survey was carried out on the entire river channel, and laboratory analysis of water samples taking to determine its hydro-chemical and Water Quality Index (WQI) characteristics using the silver nitrate method of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Water Quality Index (WQI) mathematical model. Questionnaires were also administered to the adjoining communities on river water usability. The result revealed that the hydro-chemical parameters heavy metals of Cd, Pb and Cr²⁺ with mean concentrations of 0.04 ​mg/l, 0.39 ​mg/l and 0.44 ​mg/l respectively are above WHO permissible limit. Also, the WQI varies from 2045.35 ​at middle course, 2709.89 ​at the upper course and 30.87.46 ​at the lower course is above the tolerance level for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommended that both the riparian and the solid mineral law should be under the state government to ease implementation and that the artisanal miners and that inclusive planning should be adhere to in all policy formation.