Extent of anthropogenic influence on groundwater quality and human health-related risks: an integrated assessment based on selected physicochemical characteristics

The majority of people living on earth rely groundwater as their primary supply water for daily needs. However, human activities continuously threaten this natural resource. In an attempt to unravel the extent impact human-related physicochemical characteristics in Nnewi and Awka urban clusters (Nigeria), several techniques were integrated study. Groundwater samples warm acidic nature. Concentrations SO42-, NO3-, PO43-, Cl-, HCO3-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ K+ within set benchmarks. nutrient pollution index (ranging from 0.060 0.745), nitrate (varying between −0.999 −0.790) 0.057 0.630) estimated anthropogenic contamination showed low characteristics. health risks due ingestion skin absorption nitrate-contaminated computed six age groups (6–12 months, 5–10 years, 10–15 15–20 20–60 years >60 years) risk values that < 1, implying chronic humans. cumulative total hazard ranged 0.006 0.787 with a mean value 0.167. Chemometric analyses geochemical plots revealed relationships variables sources. Chadha’s plot 55% Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- waters, predominating over Na+-Cl- Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3- waters. Bivariate multivariate also indicated impact. Furthermore, principal component analysis R-type hierarchical clustering confirmed chemistry quality mostly influenced by geogenic processes than acts. Conclusively, influence is low. These findings would be useful future monitoring both clusters.