Authors : Makwin John Mashingil; Reke Albert Linus

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mmw9rzyb

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4rettnmc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug626

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Abandoned mine ponds in Jos Plateau have become persistent water bodies following decades of artisanal and industrial tin-mining activities. In Koroshi, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, these ponds are used for irrigation, domestic activities, and other livelihood purposes, creating potential pathways for human and ecological exposure to heavy metals. This study assesses the concentrations of cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic in selected abandoned mine ponds and artisanal wells within the Koroshi area. Water samples from Dams and abandoned mine wells dung by artisanal miners were collected and transported to the laboratory and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The measured concentrations were compared with national and international water-quality standards to determine the suitability of the ponds for domestic and agricultural use. Statistical techniques were used for better visualization and presentation. The result shows that cadmium and mercury were above the recommendations of national and international base ratings. The research provides recommendation for better remediation and community awareness to the locals about the dangers of using these water bodies for irrigation purposes.

Keywords : Abandoned Mine Ponds; Heavy Metals; Koroshi; Jos South; Water Quality; Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry; Irrigation Water.

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