Vol. 4, Issue 6 (2016)
Distribution of heavy metals in cultivated soils around Ashaka cement factory in Gombe state, Nigeria
Author(s): Buba M Wufem, Abdulqadir Ibrahim, Humphrey M Maina, Nangbes J Gungsat and Nvau J Barnabas
Abstract: The distribution of heavy metals in the vicinity of Ashaka Cement factory was determined with the aim of evaluating the environmental impact caused by the cement dust emissions on farmlands. Sixty two soil samples each was collected from surface (0 – 15cm depth) and subsurface (15–30cm depth) in cultivated farmlands covering an area of 112Km2 (6Km radius) around the factory. Acid extracted metals were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method and the result showed varied concentrations of the metals, ranging between 0.00 – 27.72gKg-1 Zn, 1.40 – 311.40 gKg-1 Mn, 0.00 – 8.00 gKg-1 Ni, 0.60 – 100.72 gKg-1Co, 0.09 – 0.95gKg-1Cu, and 2– 960.10gKg-1Fe. The concentration of Iron, Manganese and Cobalt were predominantly higher in the subsurface samples indicating downward movement of the metals, while Zinc, Copper and Nickel were higher in the surface soils than the subsurface. Generally, highest concentrations for the metals analysed occurred at ≤ 2Km distance from the factory. The distribution pattern indicated decreasing concentrations of the metals with distance away from the factory. These trends suggest enrichment of cultivated farmlands by the cement factory emissions, even though there could be input from traffic and agricultural practices.
Pages: 116-120 | 1573 Views 76 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Buba M Wufem, Abdulqadir Ibrahim, Humphrey M Maina, Nangbes J Gungsat, Nvau J Barnabas. Distribution of heavy metals in cultivated soils around Ashaka cement factory in Gombe state, Nigeria. Int J Chem Stud 2016;4(6):116-120.
