ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS AND pH OF SOIL, WATER AND SOME VEGETABLES IN SELECTED VILLAGES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

📄 Project Abstract

The heavy metals concentration in soil, water and vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis and Amaranthus hybridus) and the pH of soil and water were assessed in three communities (Mbiama, Ikodi and Okarki from Ahoada) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). pH of soil and water ranged from 5.78 to 8.49 and 4.57 to 5.97 respectively. Heavy metals level in soil ranged as follows: Pb (32.70-267.2 mg/kg), Cu (16.25-42.50 mg/kg), Zn (0.00-0.00 mg/kg) and Cr (0.00-0.00 mg/kg). Concentrations in water ranged as follows: Pb (0.05-6.84 mg/kg), Cu (0.38-0.62 mg/kg), Cr (0.00-2.266 mg/kg), Zn (0-0 mg/kg). Concentrations in Telfairia occidentalis ranged as follows: Pb (10.65-39.45 mg/kg), Cu (23.20-64.45 mg/kg), Zn (0.00-29.80 mg/kg) and Cr (0.00-0.00mg/kg) while concentrations in Amaranthus hybridus ranged as follows: Pb (33.90-183.75 mg/kg), Cu (26.75-48.85 mg/kg), Zn (10.30-30.40 mg/kg) and Cr (0.00-69.7 mg/kg). Most of the concentrations...