Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Analysis of Military Drinking Water in Makurdi

Background and Objective: Safe drinking water is essential for health, hygiene, and operational readiness in military environments. However, military settings are vulnerable to water contamination, posing risks to personnel’s well-being and mission effectiveness. This study assessed the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal contamination in drinking water from three military formations (A, B, and C) in Makurdi, Nigeria, to identify contamination patterns and guide corrective actions. Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected from 18 locations covering residential, religious, office, school, market, and control sites. Key parameters analyzed included pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), hardness, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and trace metals (nickel, zinc, chromium, cadmium, manganese), using standard APHA methods. Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to evaluate relationships and classify water quality patterns. Results: The TDS strongly correlated with EC (r = 0.97), and magnesium showed significant associations with sodium and EC (r = 0.82-0.85), suggesting mineralization effects. PCA distinguished three site clusters: (1) low-salinity zones with elevated turbidity and BOD, indicating organic pollution; (2) office areas with high cadmium, chromium, and nickel levels, reflecting anthropogenic input; and (3) mineral-rich sites with elevated TDS (335 mg/L) and EC (667 μS/cm). Manganese and TDS levels exceeded permissible limits in select locations. Conclusion: The findings highlight localized contamination linked to geogenic factors, poor sanitation, and aging infrastructure. Infrastructure upgrades, improved hygiene practices, and routine water quality monitoring are recommended to ensure safe drinking water and support military operational efficiency.