Nigeria’s Drinking Water Faces New Safety Fears as Study Finds High Levels of Industrial Pollutants

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25/11/25 • 21 المشاهدات • 0 شارك • نشرت في آخر

A new scientific study by Dr. Otitoju Beulah of the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER) at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has sparked renewed concern ..

The research, based on water samples drawn from major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, revealed dangerously high concentrations of industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical residues. According to the study, contamination levels were even higher during the rainy season, affecting both surface and groundwater sources.

In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Dr. Beulah disclosed that the pollutants were detected not only in rivers, streams and wells, but also in borehole water, tap water and even packaged sachet and bottled water widely consumed by households.

The findings show that infants and toddlers are at the highest risk, with significantly elevated vulnerability to non-carcinogenic effects due to their lower body weight and higher water consumption relative to their size. Adults are also at risk, though to a lesser degree.

“My recent study, published in international journals, highlights pollutants many Nigerians have never heard of but may unknowingly consume daily. One such category is dihydroxybenzenes—industrial-linked compounds like catechol and hydroquinone often traced to pharmaceutical waste,” she noted.

Dr. Beulah attributed the growing contamination to rapid urbanisation, weak regulatory enforcement and low public awareness on proper waste disposal. She warned that the absence of strong regulations has allowed hazardous effluents to seep into water sources used for drinking and cooking.

To protect households, she recommended affordable, community-friendly treatment solutions such as agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters and solar disinfection units. Early testing, she said, has shown promising reductions in contamination levels.

However, she stressed the need for clear national guidelines on emerging contaminants like catechol and stricter enforcement of industrial discharge standards. Fragmented monitoring systems and weak reporting structures, she said, continue to hinder Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard water quality.

“Safe water cannot wait,” she warned. “While government pursues long-term reforms, communities must be empowered with tools to protect themselves now. Access to clean water is more than a development goal—it is a matter of survival.”

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