Determination of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Drinking Water Sources around Artisanal Gold Mining Communities in Zamfara State

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, have been associated with widespread lead poisoning and environmental contamination. This study determines the concentrations of selected heavy metals, specifically lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc, in drinking water sources serving three mining-adjacent communities in Anka Local Government Area. Water samples were collected from hand-dug wells, boreholes, and surface streams during both dry and wet seasons. Samples were preserved, acid-digested, and analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were compared against the World Health Organisation guidelines and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Lead concentrations in well water exceeded the WHO permissible limit by factors ranging from 2.1 to 6.8, with wet season samples recording consistently higher values attributed to surface runoff from tailings piles. Mercury and arsenic were also detected above guideline values in stream samples near active processing sites. Borehole water from deeper aquifer zones recorded the lowest contamination levels across all tested metals. The study identifies proximity to tailings storage facilities and unlined mine pits as primary contamination pathways. The findings underscore the urgent need for remediation interventions and regular water quality monitoring protocols in artisanal mining communities across Zamfara State. Keywords: heavy metals, artisanal mining, drinking water, Zamfara State, lead contamination