RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS LEVEL IN SOILS AND FOOD CROPS AROUND A CERAMICS COMPANY IN AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Authors

  • J. E. Emurotu
  • E. Azike

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46602/jcsn.v47i5.806

Abstract

Some metals associated with ceramics emission were determined in agricultural soil and leaves of maize and cassava around the vicinity of a major ceramic company. These metals are released during production process into the environment. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm at certain distance (100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m). Leaves of maize and cassava were collected around the soil samples area. Samples were collected to make a composite of 24 for both soil and leaves of crops respectively. Soil and plant digest were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Result showed the range of metal (mg/kg) in topsoil Cd (1.00-8.25), Mn (3.75-62.0), Ni (11.0-46.3) and Pb (5.50-101.2). Corresponding value in subsoil was not significantly different (p>0.05). The concentration of Mn in leaves of cassava is of concern especially if it will be used in the formulation of animal feed. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) of metals in soil revealed that the soil is slightly polluted. Uptake of metals into crops was low except Mn in cassava leaves. A health risk index (HRI) value for the food crops was <1 except for Mn were HRI>1 for cassava. Overall food crop consumption of the study area does not pose a potential threat at the moment.

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Published

2022-11-02

How to Cite

Emurotu, J. E. ., & Azike , . E. . (2022). RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS LEVEL IN SOILS AND FOOD CROPS AROUND A CERAMICS COMPANY IN AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA . Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 47(5). https://doi.org/10.46602/jcsn.v47i5.806