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Determinations of Some Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples from Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria
J. C. Akan,
B. G. Kolo,
B. S. Yikala,
V. O. Ogugbuaja
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2013
Pages:
40-46
Abstract: The concentrations of some heavy metals and anions were determined in vegetable samples (spinach (Ama-ranth caudatus), lettuce (lactuca sativa), Cabbage (Brassica olemcea) and Onion (Allium cepa) which were freshly har-vested within four agricultural locations(Mirnga, Zira, Wangaga and Malang) in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Metal concentrations in the vegetable samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), while anions were determined by Smart spectrophotometer (model 2000). The results for vegetable samples showed that leaves contained much higher concentrations of heavy metals and anions than roots and stems.The concentrations of Cr detected in the vegetable samples ranged from 0.23 to 3.22mg/kg; 0.23 to 3.43mg/kg Mn; 0.23 to 3.45mg/kg Fe; 0.21 to 3.54mg/kg Ni; 0.25 to 4.56mg/kg Pb; 0.87 to 8.34mg/kg Zn; 0.34 to 5.44mg/kg Cd and 0.21 to 3.22mg/kg Cu. These val-ueswere higher than those recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the WHO/EU joint limits. The high levels of these heavy metals place the consumers of these vegetable crops grown within the study area at health risk with time unless an urgent step is taken by relevant agencies to address this issue.
Abstract: The concentrations of some heavy metals and anions were determined in vegetable samples (spinach (Ama-ranth caudatus), lettuce (lactuca sativa), Cabbage (Brassica olemcea) and Onion (Allium cepa) which were freshly har-vested within four agricultural locations(Mirnga, Zira, Wangaga and Malang) in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Met...
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Evaluation of the Res-ponses of a Wetland, Tropical Earthworm to Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil
Ebenezer Olasunkanmi Dada,
Kelechi Longinus Njoku,
Akinniyi Adediran Osuntoki,
Modupe Olatunde Akinola
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2013
Pages:
47-52
Abstract: In view of the global importance of wetlands in providing food and income for millions of people through agricultural activities, efforts should be geared toward identifying appropriate biomonitoring organisms for them. This study investigated the mortality and burrowing responses of Libyodrilus violaceus earthworm to heavy metals in the laboratory. The worms were subjected to heavy metal spiked soil in graded concentrations following the procedure recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for a period of 14 days. Zn had the highest significant mean lethal effect (6.35±4.04) on this species, followed by the mixtures of Zn, Cd (5.90±5.05); Zn, Pb, Cd (5.40±4.5); Zn, Pb (5.05±4.37), in that order. The median lethal concentration (LC 50) values for zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) obtained from the study stood at 520.06, 1551.55, and 706.66 mg/kg soil respectively. The species also showed inhibited burrowing responses to these metals in individual and combined concentrations. It is concluded that L. violaceus should be a candidate for con-sideration in assessing the health of wetland soils.
Abstract: In view of the global importance of wetlands in providing food and income for millions of people through agricultural activities, efforts should be geared toward identifying appropriate biomonitoring organisms for them. This study investigated the mortality and burrowing responses of Libyodrilus violaceus earthworm to heavy metals in the laboratory...
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Surface Water Quality at Boete Slimes Dam, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Obuasi
S. A. Ndur,
N. A. Amegbey
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2013
Pages:
53-57
Abstract: Mining activities around the Boete Slimes Dam (BSD) of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, and its likely impact on surface water quality around the BSD, was investigated. Analyses of samples taken from Pompo stream and Kwabrafo stream and the confluence of the two streams draining the Boete Slimes Dam area showed that Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Sulphate (SO42-), Cyanide (CN), and Arsenic (As) had values higher than EPA Guideline values,whiles Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) were within acceptable range. Comparison of calculated and measured levels of conservative parameters at the confluence of the two streams using the mixing zone model corresponded well with a regression coefficient of between 0.79 and 0.93. The paper concluded that there is negative impact of the activities at Boete on the quality of Kwabrafo stream. The study also revealed that the company could save at least $1776 per sampling point annually since sampling at the confluence of the two streams could be suspended.
Abstract: Mining activities around the Boete Slimes Dam (BSD) of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, and its likely impact on surface water quality around the BSD, was investigated. Analyses of samples taken from Pompo stream and Kwabrafo stream and the confluence of the two streams draining the Boete Slimes Dam area showed that Conductivity, Total Suspended So...
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Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Vegetable and Soil Samples from Alau Dam and Gongulong Agricultural Areas, Borno State, Nigeria
J. C. Akan,
L. Jafiya,
Z. Mohammed,
F. I. Abdulrahman
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2013
Pages:
58-64
Abstract: The Concentrations of organophosphorus pesticide residues (dichlorvos, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and fenitro-thion) were determine in some vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, tomato and onion) and soil samples from different depths within Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas in Borno State, Nigeria. Samples collection and preparation were carried out using standard procedures. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples were determined using GC/MS SHIMADZU (GC-17A) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The highest concentra-tions of diclorvos, diazinon, chlorpiryfos and fenithrothion in the Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas were ob-served in the leaf of tomato, while the lowest concentrations were observed in the root of spinach. The concentrations of all the pesticides in the soil samples were observed to be higher at a depth of 21-30cm, while the lowest concentrations were observed at a depth of 0-10cm. The concentrations of all the organophosphorus pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples from the two agricultural areas were observed to be at alarming levels, much higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) and acceptable daily intake values (ADIs) set for vegetables and soil by the Cordex 2009 (WHO and FAO). The occurrence of pesticides in the vegetables and soil samples is a major threat to human that depends on these vegetables as food. Hence, the need for continuous monitoring is recommended so as to regulate the used of this pesticide in the study areas.
Abstract: The Concentrations of organophosphorus pesticide residues (dichlorvos, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and fenitro-thion) were determine in some vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, tomato and onion) and soil samples from different depths within Alau Dam and Gongulong agricultural areas in Borno State, Nigeria. Samples collection and preparation were car...
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Hazards Due to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Heavy Metals at the Closed Kubang Badak Landfill, Selangor
Nor Amani Filzah Mohd Kamil,
Suhaimi Abdul-Talib
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, April 2013
Pages:
71-77
Received:
10 April 2013
Published:
30 May 2013
Abstract: Demand on redevelopment of a closed landfill is increasing due to limited land resources. However, the hazards of a closed landfill remain unknown. Thus, there is a need to assess the health hazard for a closed landfill to ensure its suitability for future development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distributions and hazards based on soil samples taken from a closed landfill located at Kubang Badak, Selangor, with specific focus on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. A total of ten soil samples were collected using hand auger. PAHs were extracted using Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) and analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, while heavy metals were digested with MAE and analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma. Concentrations of PAHs were compared to guidelines from Canada, Netherlands and Denmark. Concentrations of heavy metals were compared to guidelines from United Kindom.. Results showed that 12 PAHs compounds were distributed consistently except for phenanthrene and anthracene. Most abundant was phenanthrene with an average value of 62.02 µg/kg. For heavy metals, Zn was found the most abundant ranging from 256.9-666.05 mg/kg. This is followed by Mn (29.05-262.5 mg/kg), V (3.85-174.65 mg/kg), Ga (34.4-182 mg/kg), Rb (63.7-135.8 mg/kg), Cr (37.8-136.85 mg/kg), Sr (0-158.2 mg/kg), Mg (16.1-173.6 mg/kg), Cu (0-201.6 mg/kg) and Pb (0.7—89.25 mg/kg). Two heavy metals, i.e. Cr and As were found to have concentrations above concentration limits permissible for residential activities. Whilst PAHs compounds were distributed uniformly, heavy metals were not. Based on the findings, landfill area is not suitable for residential area development as concentrations of Cr and As are above permissible limits.
Abstract: Demand on redevelopment of a closed landfill is increasing due to limited land resources. However, the hazards of a closed landfill remain unknown. Thus, there is a need to assess the health hazard for a closed landfill to ensure its suitability for future development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distributions and hazards based on soil...
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