Assessment of Lead, Zirconium and Iron Concentration in Soils in Parts of Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Thirty soil samples from Rayfield, Bukuru and environs on the Jos Plateau were analysed for lead (Pb), Zirconium (Zr) and Iron(Fe) using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical method, with the aim of determining the extent to which the long history of mining, and other suficial processes have affected the soils of the study area. The distribution of the analysed elements (Pb, Zr, Fe) were evaluated to monitor potential threats to human health and the natural ecosystem by comparing the determined concentrations of these elements (Pb, Zr, Fe) with concentrations in uncultivated and unmined areas as controls.Mean concen- trations of 223.67ppm was obtained for Pb; 425.53ppm for Zr and 56208.7ppm for Fe as against 17ppm, 270ppm and 21000ppm for Pb, Zr, and Fe respectively inunmined and uncultivated soils.A calculation of anthropogenic factor (AF) and Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) indicated Pb, Zr and Fe contaminations (Pb moderate to high, Zr and Fe low to moderate contamina- tions) in soils of the study area. These values can be used as guidelines for ensuring the preservation of environmental integrity of the study area.