Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) In Hadejia Valley (Kano, Jigawa and Yobe States, Nigeria): Preliminary Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water From Different Sources Along The Valley

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), a major life-threatening disease is becoming rampant in Nigeria and notable in Hadejia Valley. Continuous exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins in water contributes to diseases like CKDu. This research is conducted in Hadejia Valley covering part of Yobe State, (Gashua and Nguru) Jigawa State, (Birniwa, Kirikasamma, Hadejia, Auyo, Gujungu, Taura, and Ringim), and Kano State (Zakirai), to determine the effects of environmental toxins and gene polymorphism on CKDu. The study intends to find out the presence, and concentration of Fluorine (F), Cadmium, (Cd) Lead (Pb) Arsenic (As), from randomly selected water from different sources. Sources were (i) River Water -WRW (ii) Pond Water -WPW (iii) Well Water -WWW (iv) Tap Water –WTW and (v) Bore Hole Water –WBW. Collected water samples were digested and analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS model Agilent-AA55) Findings from the research suggest significant contamination of water sources in Hadejia Valley, particularly with lead and cadmium, both of which are nephrotoxic heavy metals linked to chronic kidney disease. Hadejia has the highest levels of fluorine and lead, making it a hotspot for contamination. Gashua shows the highest cadmium contamination, which is concerning due to cadmium's strong link to kidney disease. Auyo has the highest arsenic levels, posing long-term health risks. Cadmium and lead pose the highest health risks, exceeding WHO limits in multiple locations. The lack of significant variation between water sources suggests a widespread pollution issue rather than localized contamination. Immediate intervention is needed to ensure safe drinking water and mitigate CKDu risks. Other measures including urgent monitoring of water sources are required to prevent or at least reduce CKDu outbreaks.

Kidney, Water, Hadejia Valley, Heavy Metals, Concentration and Contamination

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