Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Technique Research Articles

Rapid preconcentration and determination of Co (II) ions in aqueous medium using ultrasound assisted cloud point extraction method

A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique was studied for the preconcentration and determination of of Co2+ ions in trace amounts after ultrasound enhanced enrichment of its 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) complexes by cloud point extraction. The Co2+ ions were firstly complexed with PAN molecules at pH 4 and the complex transferred to a surfactant (Tergitol NP-7) rich phase with a very small volume under ultrasound waves. The surfactant rich phase was separated and dissolved by 1 mL, 1.0 M HNO3 in ethanol prior to determination of Co2+ concentration by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The optimization steps of ultrasound interaction time, solution pH and surfactant volumes were achieved by response surface methodology (RSM) which is a combination of statistical approaches. Sample volume, PAN concentration and and possible interfering ions were optimized conventionally. The Co2+ ions were extracted only in 150 s at pH 4 quantitatively under optimum conditions (˃95%). The accuracy and validity of developed UA-CPE was granted by employing a certified reference material wastewater UME CRM 1204. The technique was applied to wastewater and natural water with satisfactory results.

Study of the levels of some heavy metals present in the cement dust of Al-Mergib factory

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (lead, nickel, and copper) in the cement dust of a factory were estimated using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer technique. Three samples were taken from the factory chimney at different locations and times. The first sample revealed the highest concentration of elements during examination (on the upper part of the chimney) is lead (about 30.7 mg/l), nickel (6.9 mg/l), and copper (1.697 mg/l). The lead concentration decreased slightly in the second sample (mid-chimney), but it is still the most abundant element in this sample (30.1 mg/l). And in the third sample (below the chimney), the lead concentration decreased slightly (29.7 mg/l), then Cooper, and Nickel. All the metals studied were within the World Health Organization (WHO) limit nickel (200 mg/l) and copper (100 mg/l), except for lead (5 mg/l), higher than the permissible limit Keywords: Cement factory, Cement dust, Wet digestion, Heavy metals

Experimental Analysis of Heavy Metal Contaminated Electroplating Industrial Site Soil Using Tamarind Seed Biochar

Abstract: Biochar application is a promising strategy for the rehabilitation of contaminated soil while ensuring suitable waste management. Biochar is a highly porous organic material derived from wood, manure, or plant-based biomass through pyrolysis in a low-oxygen environment. Pyrolysis is a technique that produces biochar by means of the thermal decomposition of the feedstock in an oxygen-free environment. In this work, tamarind seed was pyrolyzed in a muffle furnace 500 – 700oC to prepare biochar. The soil is contaminated with the electroplating industrial effluent, which is rich in nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) concentrations. In this study, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique has been used to find the removal efficiency of heavy metals for a curing time of 7, 14 and 28 days soil samples The result obtained from the physicochemical analysis indicated that the contaminated soils recorded an acidic pH. Adding biochar to contaminated soil in different percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) to increase the pH value and using direct shear test, the shear strength of the soil determined different percentage of biochar. The result obtained adding 8% of Biochar to get optimum Shear strength. The functional groups present in the raw biomass and pyrolyzed biochar are determined using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

Evaluation of Selenium and Vitamin E Levels in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage

The most frequent pregnancy issue is a miscarriage, which is defined as the spontaneous end of pregnancy before the fetus reaches viability. The current research aims to identify the potential significance of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) as predictive diagnostic biomarkers in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). 
 Methods: A case control study that included three study groups; 35 women with RPL, 30 non-aborted pregnant (NAP) women, and 25 healthy women. After rigorously applying the eligibility requirements, patients were chosen from those visiting Bint Al-Huda Teaching Hospital and Suq Al-Shuyukh General Hospital in Thi-Qar Province (Iraq). Serum VE and serum Se levels were determined using the ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques, respectively.
 Results: The outcomes showed that the RPL group's serum VE and Se below normal levels were (88.6% and 62.9% respectively) lower than in the healthy control group (28% and 24% respectively). The level of VE was depleted in NAP group (93.3%) compared to HC group (28%) with significant differences, whereas the level of Se was significantly lower in RPL group (62.9%) compared NAP group (13.3%). 
 Conclusions: A significant positive association of VE and Se in RPL and a significant negative association of VE and Se in NAP and HC. 

Total and bio-accessible toxic metals in low-cost children toys sold in major markets in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Toxic metals are usually added to children's toys to improve/impact some intrinsic properties such as colour which attracts children. Some of the toxic metals have life-threatening potentials on children when ingested. There is no specific legislation in Nigeria that monitors and regulates limits of such metals in toys. This study assessed total and bio-accessible concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Mn in imported low-cost children's plastic toys sold in popular markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 22 different toys were purchased and subjected to an indicative test for the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) following the Beilstein method as well as analysing for total recoverable metals and migrated fractions into simulated saliva and gastric environments. Toy samples were crushed, ashed, and dissolved with dilute nitric acid for total recoverable metals while migration studies were carried out using simulated saliva and gastric environments to check bio-accessible fractions that could leach into the human system. Metals in all extracts were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The indicative PVC test showed 12 samples positive to PVC and 10 tested negative. Total recoverable metal concentrations (mg/kg) ranged as follows: Pb: Below Detection Limit (BDL) - 4838, Cd: BDL - 44.9, Cr: 0.331–79.8, Ni: 0.273–59.1 and Mn: 0.205–31.0 with Pb and Cr having 18 and 14% of samples higher than EU limits of 90 and 60 mg/kg. Bio-accessible concentrations in artificial saliva were: Pb: BDL - 42.4, Cd: BDL-0.450, Ni: BDL-1.40 and Mn: BDL-0.058 with Pb higher in 70% of samples compared to 2.0 mg/kg migrated EU limit while other metals were within the limits. Furthermore, metal concentrations that migrated to gastric environment were: Pb: 8.24–50.3, Cd: BDL-0.057, Ni: 0.103–1.96 and Mn: BDL-1.37 with Pb in 100% of samples higher than 2.0 mg/kg EU migrated limit. Chromium migration in both environments was BDL. The results of this study suggest that toxic metal contents are present in both PVC and non-PVC made toys, but higher in PVC containing toys. Though the calculated hazard index for health risk assessment of heavy metals was < 1 for all metals, Pb concentration in both total recoverable extract and saliva and gastric environments seem to be problematic and constant monitoring and regulation are required.

Assessment of selected metals (chromium, lead and cadmium) in the hair of tannery workers at Hemayetpur, Bangladesh

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to measure the concentrations of chromium (III) (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the scalp hair of tannery workers. It also sought to establish a correlation between the levels of these metals and the length of time the workers had been employed. High level of exposures of these metals are associated with several diseases. MethodsHuman hair samples from 18 tannery workers at Hemayetpur, Savar, Bangladesh, were collected and evaluated for metals (Cr, Pb, and Cd) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (AAS). ResultsThe findings showed that the concentrations of chromium (III) (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in hair samples from tannery workers were ranged between 0.25 to 19.85 mg kg−1 (average value 6.254 mg kg−1), 0.50 to 9.25 mg kg−1 (average value 3.873 mg kg−1), and 0.025 to 0.20 mg kg−1 (average value 0.044 mg kg−1), respectively. ConclusionIn comparison to the allowable limits, there were appreciably high levels of chromium and lead, and low levels of cadmium. A positive correlation was also obtained between Cr-Cd pair from Pearson's correlation study. The results of the investigation suggest that the tannery workers had very high levels of chromium in their hair samples that indicated their hazardous working circumstances induced to their numerous illnesses, including high blood pressure, skin infections, and respiratory disorders.

Environmental sustainability and resilience in a polluted ecosystem via phytoremediation of heavy metals and plant physiological adaptations

Natural Ecosystems are being degraded significantly due to increasing industrial pollution. Marble pollution is one of them. It was hypothesized that such a polluted ecosystem host unique set of plant species growing and tolerating the level of the pollution they dwell in. These can be used as phytoremediators successively, once the level of their tolerance is determined for environmental sustainability and resilience. The current research work was aimed to assess the phytoremediation ability of the selected resistant plant species by studying their physiological adaptations in the Marble Waste Polluted Ecosystem (MWPE) of northern Pakistan. Quantitative Ecological Techniques (QET) were adopted to sample the vegetation of polluted zones, initially. Indicator species were identified using Indicator Species and Total Importance Value, Indices. Topmost indicator plants were further evaluated for environmental sustainability and resilience based on indicator species analysis and a higher importance value index in the region for their phytoremediation abilities using Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), Translocation Factor (TF) and Bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) analyses using atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. Physiological responses i.e., Proline accumulation and chlorophyll contents (a, b and carotenoids) for each indicator plant species were recorded and examined using standard experimental protocols. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was also used to assess heavy metals concentration. All the collected data were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling, Mixed effect modeling and Regression analysis using R software. Preliminary results showed that out of 220 species, 19 indicator plants, i.e., Adiantum capillus-veneris, Ailanthus altissima, Albizia lebbeck, Calotropis procera, Cynodon dactylon, Datura innoxia, Debregeasia salicifolia, Desmostachya bipinnata, Dodonaea viscosa, Erigeron bonariensis, Ficus carica, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Parthenium hysterophorus, Persicaria glabra, Ricinus communis, Setaria viridis, Tamarix aphylla and Withania somnifera were the significant phytoextractor and phyto-stabilizer of potential toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Co, Cd, Ca and Mg) based on bioaccumulation coefficient, translocation and biological concentration factors. These indicators increase the accumulation of proline osmolyte and decrease chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total carotenoids as a defense or survival mechanism against pollution. These results were reconfirmed through Structural Equation Modeling, Mixed Effect Modeling and Bivariate Regression. It was concluded that the indicator plants have a significant role in the cleaning of ornamental rocks pollution and hence in the environmental sustainability and resilience. It is recommended that these indicator plants can be grown to remediate the heavy metals or PTEs released from the MWPE and their vicinities for better environmental management and pollution control in the subtropical regions of the world.

Bio-accumulation and health risk assessment of heavy metals in different edible fish species from Hurghada City, Red Sea, Egypt

BackgroundHeavy metal contamination has become a serious issue in this century especially detected in fish organs. Due to the presence of radioactive compounds in agricultural and sewage effluent, which destroys aquatic ecosystems, threatening human livelihoods. Health hazards associated with low and high consumption consumers assessed in five commercial fish species collected from Hurghada City, Egypt, during winter and summer, 2020. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique used for determination heavy meals in different organs and expressed as μg/g wet weight. ResultsHeavy metal concentrations in muscle ranged between:(0.054–0.109), (0.260–1.043), (0.264–0.897), (5.895–11.898), (0.381–0.970), (13.582–29.133) and (0.332–0.589) µg/g for Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ni respectively, which were lower than those of gills and liver. These concentrations were within WHO, FAO/WHO, and EU standards. Consumption of edible species was lower than the (TDIs) established by the (JECFA) and Egyptian Standards. Even though THQ and TTHQ values were < 1 while, in children with highly consumer were> 1. ConclusionThis study concluded that intake of Red Sea fish is safe for human health. It is critical for consumers to be aware of the consequences of excessive fish consumption, particularly children with highly consumer, which represent possible health risks.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Mining Activities Around Rimin-Zayam, Toro LGA, Bauchi State

Mining environment is known for a high level of heavy metals due to the activities which cause adverse alteration of the ecological system. This research study the partitioning of heavy metals in artisanal mining sites in RiminZayan, Toro Local Government Area Bauchi state, Nigeria. The concentration of heavy metals like lead, Cadmium, Iron, Zinc, Cobalt (Co), Copper , Chromium, Manganes and Nickel, were determined using the sequential extraction method recommended by Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and physic-chemical properties such as the pH, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, total organic matter, electrical conductivity and soil particle size. The result show that the soil in the area has a clayey texture with the percentage of clay, slit and sand ranging from 9.29–27.10, 6.31–13.41 and 59.32–84.39 %, respectively. The pH levels of the soil ranged from 6.04 to 6.45 indicating that the soil in thee study is slightly acidic in nature. The observed electrical conductivity (EC) obtained in this study for the samples of soil sediments taken from around the mining site were 26.76, 31,30 and 42.66 µs/cm respectively. The percentages of organic matter of the soil in the same location are 0.423, 0.061 and 0.452 %. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil in the same vanity were respectively found to be 4.003, 7.385 and 3.994 cmol/kg. The metals were fractionated into six fractions and determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric techniques (AAS). The results of the soil analysed indicated that there was high abundance of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, and zinc in the residual fraction, pointing to their lithogenic origins, and therefore primarily inherited from the parent material. Cobalt and manganese are bound to other fractions (exchangeable, carbonate, manganese oxide, iron-manganes oxide, organic matter-sulphide, and residual metals which shows their anthropogenic origin. The ratio of bioavailability factor (BF) ranged from 27.47 to 89.66, Contamination factor showed values ranging from 0.001 to 16.299 which suggests that some soils were not contaminated while some were moderately contaminated metals investigated. The degree of contamination (DC) showed that the highest recorded were from non -mining area (19.517) while active mining sites and abandoned mining sites values are: 5.985 and 3.843, respectively. This trend could be owing to the bioavailability and mobility of the metals from the mining sites to non-mining locations. The data generated were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The least significant difference test (p ≤ 0.05).

INDUSTRIAL IMPACT ON SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN ECONOMIC FISH WITHIN THE RIVER IN NNEWI-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

This work was carried out to research on the Industrial impact of selected heavy metals in economic fish samples in Eze river of Nnewi-North, Anambra State, Nigeria. The levels of seven heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd) in selected fish samples (Clariasgariepinus, Oreochromisneloticus, Pseudotolithus elongates) from the area were detected using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. The HN03-HCl method was used in the fish sample digestion. All the fish samples collected from the Eze river contained the six heavy metals analyzed. The mean concentrations(µg/g) of heavy metals in the fish samples from the studied area were 1.85 for Pb, 0.86 for Mn, 3.38 for Zn, 1.18 for Cr, 2.84 for Cu and 0.43 for Cd. With the exception of Pb and Cd most metals were within the acceptable levels in the fish. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) values were evaluated in order to assess the health risk of the inhabitants of Nnewi-north and environs due to heavy metal intake from food crops. The values were less than 1 in all the fish samples; therefore, their consumption does not pose any health risk concern. Metal-metal correlation was carried out using Pearson’s product moments. Most elemental pairs show significant correlation with each other, this implies that each paired element has common pollution sources. In conclusion, the investigated area has been affected by the industrial activities. So control measures stated by regulatory authorities should be enforced in all the industries.

DETERMINATION CADMIUM, LEAD AND ZINC IN HUMAN HAIR BY USING FLAME ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY (FAAS)

The heavy metals mean serious hazard in environmental pollution. Some of them are vital for many organisms in a low concentration, however the others ought to be poisonous at low concentrations, too. This paper gives an example for the correlation of the attention in human hair and in the environment of different heavy metals. Human hair (n=50) Volunteers (35 males and 15 females) of different age groups between 1 to 57 years samples were collected in Al – Ajailat, Libya. Hair samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (FAAS). The results showed that the samples concentrations ranged between 0.0001 and 0.3840 mg.kg−1 for cadmium, followed by zinc between 68.99 mg kg−1 and 225mg. kg−1while lead was between 0.632 mg kg−1 and 7.708mg. Kg−1. The results indicated that metal concentrations in male samples varied based on age, such that age group 33-43 years had the highest zinc concentration (206.2±11.6 mg/kg), and age group 1-10 years had the highest Cd (0.384±0.01 mg/kg) and Pb (1.929±0.05 mg/kg) concentrations. while, the cadmium and lead contents in children’s hair samples of both sexes was higher than compared to the values available in some countries. The difference between male and female concentration could be due to individual differences in exposure to heavy metal load as a result of habitual or environmental factors.

Heavy metal profile in smoked Atlantic cutlass fish (Trichiurus lepturus, linnaeus 1758) from some major markets in Benin metropolis, Nigeria

The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn), in smoked Trichiurus lepturus (Trichiuridae) from some major Markets in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria, were determined employing Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique, in order to ascertain their suitability for human consumption against the dearth of data regarding the metal content of such fish. The mean concentrations of metals in fish ranged from 0.118 mg/kg for Cd to 72.738 mg/kg for Zn. The mean concentration of Zn in fish ranged from 51.80 mg/kg at New Benin Market to 89.28 mg/kg at Ramat Market while the mean concentration of Cu ranged from 6.58 mg/kg at Oba Market to 9.29 mg/kg at Ramat Market. The mean concentration of Cd ranged from below detection limits at Oba and New Benin Markets to 0.31 mg/kg at Ramat Market while the mean the mean concentration of Pb ranged from 0.39 mg/kg at New Benin Market to 0.75 mg/kg at Uselu Market. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the mean concentrations of metals in fish between Markets. The toxicity quotient for heavy metals ranged from 0.271 for Cu to 2.425 for Zn. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in fish exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization and Commission Regulation maximum limits for heavy metals in fish indicating that fish must be consumed with caution, to avert heavy metal poisoning.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contents and Potential Human Health Risk Assessment of Selected Canned Sardines Fish Sold in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Canned sardine fish is consumed regularly in all countries. The levels of heavy metals which are present in the environment could constitute a hazard to food security and public health. These can be accumulated in aquatic animals such as fish. In this study, selected heavy metals: Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) were evaluated in Sardines that are commonly consumed in Nigeria. Eight different brands of canned sardines were purchased in Yenagoa and were taken to the Laboratory for heavy metal analysis. Standard wet digestion procedure was adopted for sample preparation while Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) technique was adopted for metal analysis. The results show that heavy metal concentrations of Fe in the samples were above World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) permissible limits, while Zn was below the permissible limits. However, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and Mn were below detectable limits in all the samples. Daily intake of metal (DIM) values in the sardine samples for Zn and Fe were significantly lower than the recommended daily intake and the upper tolerable daily intake levels. The Health risk index (HRI), Target hazard quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) for Zn and Fe in this study were less than 1(˂1) for both adult and children, therefore, the canned sardines does not pose a potential human health risk concern for the consumers. However, the high Fe concentrations in all the sardine samples may cause public health concern as they are above WHO and USEPA tolerable limits.

Metals concentration levels in printed circuit boards of discarded cathode ray tube television: trends over the years

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to investigate the trends of Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd concentrations present in printed circuit boards of cathode ray televisions over the years. Dismantling, shredding, pulverisation, digestion and chemical analysis were followed for sorting, separation, and analysis of metal concentrations in printed circuit boards of cathode ray televisions. After digestion using EPA SW 846 method 3050B, the extracts were analysed for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The results obtained showed that the mean metal concentrations in all televisions’ printed circuit boards studied were – Cu: 11.73 ± 2.91%, Pb: 3.30 ± 0.86%, Ni: 0.106 ± 0.138%, Cr: 0.00523 ± 0.00130% and Cd: 0.00291 ± 0.00148%. There was virtually no regular pattern in the average metal levels from 1975 to 1999; they initially decreased, increased and then decreased. However, an observable decrease in the level of these metals was noticed from 2000 to 2009. Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd were noticed to have decreased from 2000–2004 to 2004–2009.

Assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in selected small indigenous species of industrial area origin freshwater fish and potential human health risk implications in Bangladesh

Concentrations of nine heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) were determined in fourteen different small indigenous species (SIS) of freshwater fish using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique. Mean concentrations of HMs in the investigated SIS of fish samples ranged from (0.284–1.554), (0.002–0.035), (0.055–0.431), (0.005–0.018), (0.011–0.252), (0.216–23.948), (0.460–34.616), (0.529–3.281), and (4.473–50.560) mg/kg-fw for Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, respectively. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the concentrations of HMs among the fish species. Among the nine HMs, concentrations of toxic HMs (Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) and essential (or probably essential as very trace amounts are required) HMs (Fe and Cu) were usually below the maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) set by international standards. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that anthropogenic activities might be the main source of HMs in the SIS of fish. Human health risks assessed in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk (target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ)), and carcinogenic risk (CR) (mean) were below the permissible limit of benchmark. However, for the consumption of a very few selected SIS of fish, there is a slight concern for Cd- and Cr-induced CR.

Determination of Some Heavy Metals from Ground Water Samples Obtained from Selected Motor Parks in Kaduna, Nigeria

This study is aimed at ascertaining the levels of pollution of borehole and well water of selected motor parks in Kaduna, Nigeria. Borehole and well water samples from Abuja junction, Sabo garage, Television garage, Shaba modern market park, Kawo garage, Mando park were collected and analyzed for lead, cobalt, nickel and cadmium using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. Results showed varying concentrations based on location. The results obtained were compared with WHO/NSDWQ standards. Lead was found in excessive levels above the recommended safe limit in the range of 0.04-0.07 mg/l. Nickel and cobalt were within the recommended safe limit in the range of 0.01-0.02 mg/l and 0.002-0.05 mg/l. Cadmium was found in high concentration above safe limits in the range of 0.002-0.012 mg/l. High levels of metals might be associated to the mechanical activities, high vehicle exhaust, municipal waste and other anthropogenic activities within the busy motor parks. The results indicate that most of the samples are contaminated with abnormal levels of lead and cadmium capable of causing health hazards to consumers of the water; this suggests that water found in motor parks require further treatment before consumption.

Evaluation of Soil Pollution by Some Heavy Metals Via Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Technique in Zakho District, Kurdistan Region - Iraq

In this study, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique has been used in analysing 26 soil samples for five heavy metals: Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cr3+ and Ni2+ in Zakho district, Kurdistan region - Iraq. Heavy metals can be accrued to the soil during the releases of industrial waste, removal of extraordinary quality metal waste, petrochemical falls and etc. In all soil samples, heavy metals concentration was found in the range of 0.541 - 4.339 mg/L for Pb, 0.118 - 0.797 mg/L for Cu, 1.260 - 5.540 mg/L for Zn, 1.315 - 2.102 mg/L for Cr and 1.049 -1.635 mg/L for Ni. As shown in the result, the heavy metals concentration contents increases with fossil fuel combustion, industrial releases, and agricultural activities. However, the results of the AAS technique was found that the high concentration element Pb and Zn were determined than the other elements like Cu, Cr and Ni but less than acceptable limits in all cases. Regarding to achieve data in the recent research, soil of case study can be relatively considered unpolluted, healthy and it is suitable for growth plants and usable for other purposes.

Assessment of Nutritional Properties and Heavy Metal Composition of African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata) and Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) from Ekowe Community

Aims: This research was aimed at assessing the nutritional properties and heavy metal compositions of African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata) and clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) from Ekowe community.&#x0D; Methodology: Mineral and vitamin contents were analyzed using the standard method of Association of Analytical Chemist. While standard wet digestion procedure was adopted in the sample preparation, heavy metals were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer technique.&#x0D; Results: Moisture contents were 76±0.63% &amp; 78.4±0.06%, ash content, 1.37±0.01% &amp; 3.45±0.01%, crude protein, 18.62±0.74% &amp; 12.74±0.01% and lipid, 1.34±0.01% &amp; 0.07±0.01% for Archachatina marginata and Mercenaria mercenaria respectively. Mineral contents were in this order: Ca &gt; K &gt; PO4&gt; Mg &gt; Na &gt; Fe &gt;Mn for Archachatina marginata while Mercenaria mercenaria was Ca&gt; K &gt; PO4 &gt; Mg &gt; Fe &gt;Mn&gt; Na. Vitamins profiles in Archachatina marginata were 5.20±0.198%, 0.144±0.004%, 0.05±0.003% and 0.78±0.035% for vitamin A, B1, B2 &amp; E respectively. While Mercenaria mercenaria was 3.93±0.070%, 0.13±0.0025%, 0.075±0.001% &amp; 0.84±0.01% for vitamins A, B1, B2 &amp; E respectively. Heavy metal results in Archachatina marginata was in order of Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd &gt; Ni &gt; Cr while for Mercenaria mercenaria was Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd &gt; Cr &gt; Ni.&#x0D; Conclusion: These metal values were low and within the WHO permissible limits. The result shows that snail could complement the required micro and macro nutrients and vitamins needed for proper growth and development in human and hence recommended for regular consumption.

DETERMINATIONS OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN VEGETABLES CULTIVATED IN SOME VILLAGES IN DAMBOA, NORTH – EASTERN NIGERIA

With consideration to food hazards and its security, this research study was conducted to determine the concentration levels of some heavy metals in vegetables cultivated in Damboa, Nigeria. Fresh samples of vegetables; Cucumber (cucumis spp) and Onion (Allium cepa) were obtained from the farms in four villages, analysed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) techniques. Results obtained showed variations in concentration in microgram per litre (µg / L). Eight heavy metals were determined; cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The analysis revealed that; Gumsuri – Ritawa village; the concentration levels in cucumber ranged from - 0.7 ± 0.06 to 5.7 ± 0.06, while in onion ranged from 0.2 ± 0.06 to 4.8 ± 0.06; highest is Cd (5.7 µg / L) in cucumber. Gumsuri – Tolori village, concentration in cucumber ranged from -6.6 ± 0.06 to 0.82 ± 0.02, in onion is 0.27 ± 0.01; highest is Pb (0.9 µg / L) found in onion. Katchalla - Bulari village; it ranged from -1.30 ± 0.06 to 2.71 ± 0.01 in cucumber, and onion is -0.90 ± 0.1 to 3.0 ± 0.1; highest is Ni (3 µg / L) in onion, and the lowest is Pb (- 1.3 µg / L) in cucumber. Nziddamari Village; in cucumber it ranged from -1.0 ± 0.06 to 2.16 ± 0.01 and onion ranged from -1.0 ± 0.06 to 5.0 ± 0.06; highest is Cd (5 µg / L) found in onion, lowest is Pb (- 1.2 µg / L) in cucumber respectively. Values obtained falls within the recommended standard values by WHO / FAO. Conclusively, these vegetables cultivated in Damboa area was found to be wholesome and fit for consumption as at the time of this analysis.

Determination of the Levels of Lead and Cobalt from Soils of an Irrigated Farmland in Lafia Nasarawa State-Nigeria Using Two Different Methods of Digestion

Washing of vehicles (lorries, cars, buses and motor-bikes), clothes and kitchen utensils, bathing and the release of smoke from exhausts of motor-vehicles and other anthropogenic sources continuously increase the levels of heavy metals in water bodies, especially the Amba river of Lafia used for the irrigation of farmlands thereby resulting to contamination and elevation of heavy metals uptake by crops. This study was carried out to provide information on heavy metals concentration in soils of an irrigated vegetable farmland in Lafia. Soil samples were collected at surface levels of 0-30 cm depth. Samples were analyzed for pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity and soil particle sizes. The soil samples were digested using Aqua regia and Nitric acid methods of digestion. The concentrations of lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co) were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique. The values of soil pH ranged between 5.60 and 6.35, organic carbon between, 1.40-1.49 %, organic matter content between, 2.40 and 2.57 %, electrical conductivity between 100 and 240 μS cm –1 and clay, sand and silt content between 10.4-11.4 %, 82-85 % and 4.6-6.6 % respectively. Total concentration of extractable Pb and Co (Aqua regia method) ranged between 0.083–0.105 and 1.473 – 1.573 mg kg-1 respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals for Nitric acid method were as follows: Pb: 1.363-1.512 and Co: 0.060-0.086. Concentrations of heavy metals in both methods were all below DPR-EGASPIN (2002) and US EPA. (2014) recommended limits. The results showed that aqua regia method was more efficient than the Nitric acid Method of digestion.