Determination of Some Heavy Metals Concentration in Fadama Soils of Ajiwa Irrigation Site, Katsina State

 

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in the soil is of great ecological significance due to their toxicity at certain level of concentration. This study determined the level of some heavy metal contents in agricultural soils of Ajiwa Fadama using both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. The soil samples were collected at the depth of 10-15cm from four different locations (i.e. north, east, south and west) of the area. The samples were analyzed for the presence and level of Lead, Zinc, Chromium, Iron and Manganese using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and qualitatively. The results of the AAS analysis revealed total mean concentration of 0.673 ± 0.4065mgl^-1, 0.871±0.271mgL^-1, 0.805±5.049mgL^-1, and 0.882±0.27175mgL^-1, 0.814±0.33725mgL^-1 for Chromium, Manganese, Lead, Zinc and Iron respectively. These results indicate clearly that the Fadama soils are significantly polluted by heavy metals due to probably the presence of refuse dumps sited in the area and irrigation practices; these can be a threat to the environment and the living things at large, as most of the metals studied are above the literature value except for Zinc and Iron. Recommendations on the need for clean water for irrigation and regular monitoring of the soil to reduce toxicity from the heavy metal were suggested.

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