PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL ANALYSIS OF BOREHOLE WATER AS AN ENHANCEMENT OF PROPERTY VALUE IN NNEWI NORTH, SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the physico-chemical and heavy metal quality of borehole and surface water sources in Nnewi North, Anambra State, with a focus on implications for public health and property value enhancement. Ten sampling points were selected: Ezekwabo Uruagu (SLA), Miri Eze Stream (SLB), Evo Eatery (SLC), Maria Regina School (SLD), NAUTH (SLE), Ojiofor Specialist Hospital (SLF), Okongwu Memorial Grammar School (SLG), Hope Specialist Hospital (SLH), Chidera Hospital and Maternity (SLI), and Immaculate Heart Hospital and Maternity (SLJ). Water samples were analysed for key physico-chemical indicators, pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, and hardness alongside heavy metals including iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and mercury (Hg). Results were benchmarked against WHO and NSDWQ drinking water standards. Most physico-chemical parameters were within acceptable limits; however, elevated turbidity was recorded in several locations, particularly SLB and SLC. Among heavy metals, mercury exceeded permissible limits in all sites except SLG, while iron and cadmium surpassed guideline values in multiple locations, indicating potential geogenic and anthropogenic contamination. These exceedances pose significant health risks, such as kidney toxicity, neurological impairment, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Furthermore, deteriorating water quality was found to negatively influence property desirability, increasing treatment costs and lowering market value in affected communities. The study recommends strengthened groundwater protection policies, routine monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and adoption of affordable purification technologies to safeguard health and support sustainable property value growth in Nnewi North.