Water quality evaluation using water quality index and pollution model in selected communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Drinking water quality is a critical factor affecting human health particularly in natural resource-dependent countries including Nigeria. Hydrocarbon related pollution, mining waste, microbial load, industrial discharge and other anthropogenic stressors degrade drinking coastal communities pose serious public ecological risks. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of selected (Okerenkoko, Kurutie, Oporoza) located Gbaramatu Kingdom, Niger Delta region Nigeria, order to assess using Water Quality Index (WQI) pollution models. Nitrate, Chromium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Aluminium, pH, Total Hardness, Dissolved Solids, Cyanide, Residual Chlorine were measured twelve locations across three communities.  The WQI results analyzed samples area indicated that they exceeded value 100, with mean pH 8.11 ± 0.32, indicating unsuitability for consumption. Nickel ranging from 0.014 0.176 mg/L residual chlorine 11.6 7407 major contributors degradation WHO recommended limit 0.02 0.25 respectively. While groundwater had better organoleptic compared surface rain water, geo-accumulation index showed sources vary moderately heavily contaminated Ni Cd. These model necessitate an urgent response local stakeholders address deterioration, such as providing alternative supplies, minimize potential risks population.   Key words: index, contamination oil chemical parameters, index.