Determination of Heavy Metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, & Cu) in Soils around Industrial Area in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria
Gimba, Joshua.Dagil1, Chundusu Elizabeth Samuel2 & Chup Jessica 3
1,3,Department of Pre-ND Science, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi
2Department of Science, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi
E-mail: gimbajoshua@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Chundusu Elizabeth Samuel
ABSTRACT
Heavy metal pollution is a serious problem associated with areas of intensive industrial activities. A study was carried out on some heavy metals Heavy (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, &Cu) on the quality of soil in the vicinity of the industrial areas of Jos Plateau Sate to determine the levels of pollution. These areas include; Jos Steel Rolling Mills (JSRM), Ray field Jos, National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Nigerian Mining Corporation (NMC) and NASCO Food. Soils samples were collected and analyzed for pH, values, organic matter contents, carbon contents and the total metal concentrations for the above metals using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results of the analysis showed relatively high concentrations of Fe, Cd, and Ni with concentrations range of 0.227 0.062ppm, to 5.367 0.091ppm.The samples from JSRM and NASCO food recorded a high concentration of Mn with a value of 0.221 0.121 and 0.612±0.126ppm respectively. But for Zn, Ni, and Cu, showed relatively low concentrations. Comparing the results with the WHO standard showed that Pb, Fe, Cd, and Ni were above the WHO values. High concentrations of these elements in the soils could lead to a toxicity in agricultural products which may affect human activity. This problem could be remediated by government legislations and phytoremediations, a method of reclamation of soils contaminated with toxic metals by using hyperaccumulator plants.
