By Newspot Nigeria Science Desk
A new water-quality study led by Dr Otitoju Beulah of has reported the detection of toxic chemical pollutants in Nigerian drinking water sources including packaged sachet and bottled water in Lagos and neighbouring states.
The research draws samples from both major and minor waterbodies across , Oyo and Osun states and records unusually high levels of industrial contaminants and pharmaceutical residues. The concentration of compounds such as catechol and hydroquinone spiked sharply during , raising concerns about seasonal vulnerability for households relying on rivers, wells, boreholes, and retail-packaged water.
Otitoju’s report identifies infants and toddlers as a group at elevated risk due to low body weight and high water consumption relative to size. She notes potential non-carcinogenic effects for adults and heightened exposure risks for aquatic life that sustain local community ecosystems.
The findings further highlight high bacterial pollution associated with weak waste-management systems and fragmented monitoring. Otitoju has recommended low-cost treatment options for families, including agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters and solar disinfection units. She referenced encouraging early trials with reduced contamination levels and increased safe water adoption when deploying and units.
The researcher calls for clearer national guidelines and stronger enforcement of industrial discharge laws and warns that communities require immediate tools while long-term governance reforms evolve. She concluded by stating that safe water is a matter of survival and collective action must begin now.
The full analysis was originally disclosed via a public household-focused statement authored by Segun Odunayo for Newspot Nigeria.
—Newspot Nigeria
Source: Punch
