Abstract
Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing countries have been associated with production and deposition of hazardous wastes in the soil environments. Heavy metals are major components of these wastes and have been implicated in several metal-related diseases and food poisoning in man. This study examined the concentration of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in soil near dumpsites of Jimeta and Ngurore, Yola North Local Government Areas (LGAs), Adamawa State. Soil samples from 0-20cm layer depth were collected in triplicates and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that Fe, Pb, Cu and Chromium were detected, while Cadmium was found to be below the limit of detection. The mean concentration of the exchangeable cation in mg/kg in soil at Jimeta sites were: Fe (31.4 mg/kg) >Pb (0.92 mg/kg) > Cu (0.34 mg/kg) > Cr (0.11 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), while the mean concentration of the heavy metals in soil at Ngurore sites were: Fe (32 mg/kg) >Pb (0.83 mg/kg) > Cu (0.28 mg/kg) > Cr (0.07 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), respectively. Iron (Fe) was the most abundant element in both sites, followed by Pb. Heavy metal concentrations in soil followed the order of Fe>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd, respectively. The paired T-test analyses for concentration of Cr, Fe, and Pb in soil nearthe two dumpsites show that there were statistically significant differences in the concentration levels of Cr, Fe, and Pb, while Cu showed no statistically significant difference between the two dumpsites. However, all the metals detected were below the permissible limit of WHO international standard with the exception of Pb whose concentration was above maximum permissible concentration (MPC). Persistent heavy metals accumulation in soils near these dumpsites may lead to increase uptake by vegetables grown near the dumpsites and this may pose a threat to its quality and safety and ultimately human health. The need to replace open dumpsites with well-designed landfills is advised.
Highlights
Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and their persistent contamination of the environment is a great source of concern
This study examined the concentration of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in soil near dumpsites of Jimeta and Ngurore, Yola North Local Government Areas (LGAs), Adamawa State
Levels of heavy metals Concentrations in soil near Jimeta dumpsite show that in Site 1: Fe with (27.54mg/kg) recorded the highest metal concentration, followed by Cu (0.44mg/kg), Pb (0.28mg/kg), Cr (0.1mg/kg) while Cd was not detected in the sample
Summary
Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and their persistent contamination of the environment is a great source of concern. The presence of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in agricultural soils are mostly influenced by anthropogenic activity (Fytianoset al., 2001) Elevated concentrations of these metals inhibit plant growth parameters; including respiration, photosynthesis, water and nutrient uptake, resulting in reduction of plant production (Ali et al, 2015). Elevated concentration of toxic elements in soil are result of different anthropogenic activities, environmental pollution from industrial emission, utilization of waste water for irrigation, certain agricultural practices, application of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers, atmospheric depositions during transportation and marketing, etc. Rapid and unorganized urban and industrial developments have contributed to the elevated levels of heavy metals in the urban environment of developing countries such as Egypt (Radwan and Salama, 2006), Iran (Maleki and Zarasvand, 2008), China (Wong et al, 2003) and India (Marshall, 2004; Sharma et al, 2008b)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
