Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID NJ_2024_EKE-OPHORI

Assessing Heavy Metals Groundwater Contamination and Its Health Implications in Northern New Jersey

Institute: New Jersey
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2024-09-01 End Date: 2025-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $6,168 Total Non-Federal Funds: $6,194

Principal Investigators: Chima Eke, Duke Ophori

Project Summary: Groundwater is a very important resource that is used as a drinking water source by almost half of New Jersey’s population. Heavy metal contamination of groundwater is a significant environmental and public health concern in northern New Jersey, a region historically impacted by industrialization, urbanization, and mining activities. There are about 600 abandoned mines, 45 Superfund sites, and agricultural activities in the region that are believed to release heavy metals into the environment that end up in the groundwater. The New Jersey Highlands area is a key source of drinking water for its residents. The streams, wells, wetlands, forests, and reservoirs provides over 373 million gallons of potable water on a daily basis. More than 6.2 million people depend on the Highlands for their drinking water. Most residents in the Highlands region rely on groundwater from private wells for their water needs, while residents outside the region are supplied by the streams and reservoirs of the Highlands. This research proposal aims to investigate the sources, extent, spatial distribution, and potential health impacts of heavy metal groundwater contamination in Northern New Jersey, to identify strategies for mitigation and management. The study will utilize a multidisciplinary approach integrating data analysis, spatial analysis, and human health risk assessments to achieve its objectives. The results from this research will contribute valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations for mitigating heavy metal groundwater contamination and protecting environmental and human health in northern New Jersey.