Monitoring the Distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil and Accumulation in Fodder and Medicinal Plant Species at a Quarry site in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna PC, Ukpai NP, Obasi KO, Umezuruike SO
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The study monitored the distribution of PTEs (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Fe and Zn) in soil and accumulation in plant samples collected at the distance of 1 m, 180 m, and 360 m in south east (SE), south central (SC) and southwest (SW) directions of China quarry site in Ngwogwo in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The soil and plant samples were dried, grinded, sieved, and digest separately in the laboratory to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Fe and Zn using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The highest concentration of Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Fe and Zn in soil was obtained at a distance of 1 m from the edge of the quarry. The values of heavy metals in soil were below the Dutch criteria and permitted limits of FAO/WHO, NESREA and FEPA except for Cd. Cotolaria retusa assimilated highest level of Pb (2.42±0.00 mg/kg), As (0.43±0.01 mg/kg) and Zn (5.52±0.00 mg/kg) while Cd (0.09±0.00 mg/kg), Ni (1.13±0.00 mg/kg) and Fe (54.70±0.00 mg/kg) were highest in Pennisetum polystachion. The values of Pb (0.60±0.00 to 2.42±0.00 mg/kg) and As (0.11±0.00 to 0.43±0.01 mg/kg) in plants was higher than the permissible limit of 0.30 mg/kg (Pb) and 0.2 mg/kg (As) established by FAO/WHO, thus posing a serious health risk to man and animals that depend on such plants for food and medicine.
Affiliations: Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Keywords: Quarry, Soil, Plant Species, Potentially Toxic Elements, Ngwogwo
Published date: 2020/12/30
