Study raises alarm over toxic chemicals in packaged water in Lagos, other states

NIGERIA – A new scientific study has raised serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in Nigeria, revealing the presence of toxic industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical residues in both natural water sources and packaged drinking water.

The research, conducted by Dr Otitoju Beulah of the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research and Redeemer’s University, examined water samples from Osun, Oyo, and Lagos states.

The findings, published in international journals show that contaminants such as dihydroxybenzenes, including catechol and hydroquinone, were detected at “alarmingly high concentrations,” particularly during the rainy season.

According to Dr Beulah, the pollutants were found across nearly all water sources tested: rivers, streams, springs, wells, boreholes, tap water, and even sachet and bottled packaged water.

The presence of such chemicals, commonly linked to industrial waste and pharmaceutical effluents, poses a growing public health threat.

The study revealed that infants and toddlers face the highest non-carcinogenic health risks due to their lower body weight and higher water intake relative to their size. Adults are also at risk, though to a lesser degree.

“My recent study shed light on pollutants that most people have never heard of but may be consuming daily,” she said.

“These compounds don’t just threaten human health, they also negatively affect aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems that communities depend on for food and livelihood.”

Beyond chemical contaminants, the research also highlighted widespread bacterial pollution, a consequence of Nigeria’s poor waste management practices.

Rapid urbanization, weak regulation, and low public awareness about proper waste disposal have allowed untreated effluents to seep into water bodies and drinking water systems.

Dr Beulah stressed that inadequate regulatory enforcement is enabling the spread of toxic pollutants. Fragmented monitoring systems and weak reporting structures, she said, continue to undermine efforts to ensure water safety.

To address the growing crisis, she recommended accessible, low-cost household treatment options, including agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters, and solar disinfection units. Early trials, she noted, have shown promising reductions in contamination levels.

“Safe water cannot wait,” she warned. “While governments work on long-term solutions, communities must be given tools to protect themselves now. Access to clean water is not just a development goal, it is a matter of survival.”

In recent months, environmental groups have warned about rising microplastic levels in Lagos Lagoon and heavy metal contamination in Oyo’s industrial corridors.

Earlier this year, UNICEF estimated that more than 70 million Nigerians lack safely managed drinking water, urging state governments to scale up investments in water infrastructure and pollution control.

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