Renal Function Indices Among Adults Consuming Borehole Water in Rural Communities of Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Background: Access to safe drinking water remains a pressing public health challenge in rural Nigeria. Borehole water in many communities across Nasarawa State contains elevated concentrations of heavy metals and microbial contaminants, which may impair renal function over time. Few undergraduate studies have directly examined renal health outcomes in relation to drinking water sources in this geopolitical zone. Objectives: This study aims to measure serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid levels as indicators of renal function among rural adults relying exclusively on borehole water in Nasarawa State, compared with a control group using treated pipe-borne water. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design will be employed, recruiting 80 borehole-water users and 40 pipe-borne water users. Five-millilitre venous blood samples will be collected and analysed using standard colorimetric assay kits. Borehole water samples will be tested for heavy metal content. Independent t-tests and Pearson correlation will be applied. Expected Outcomes: Borehole water users are hypothesised to exhibit significantly elevated renal function markers, correlating with higher heavy metal concentrations in their water supply. Conclusion: Results will advocate for government water quality monitoring and public health interventions in rural North Central Nigeria. Keywords: renal function, borehole water, heavy metals, rural communities, Nasarawa.