Quality of water resources in the Niger basin and in the region of Lagos (Nigeria)

Abstract Water quality studies in Nigeria are usually conducted at local scales and limited to a restricted number of chemical contaminants, while reliable data on trace metal concentrations (including arsenic) are relatively scarce. This study focuses on the quality of available renewable water resources in terms of major ion and trace element concentrations at selected sampling locations in the Lower River Niger basin and part of the Lagos region. A screening of water contamination by arsenic and heavy metals was carried out through water sampling at selected locations using in situ measurement and laboratory testing to estimate heavy metal concentrations and water type. The analysis reveals moderate trace element contamination of the water resources, with the exception of Pb, while Mn and, to a lesser extent, Al exceeded WHO quality standards, but the Arsenic concentrations are within drinking water quality standards and are safe for consumption and irrigation, while the water type is Bicarbonate.