ASSESSMENT OF THE HEAVY METALS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS, IN DUMPSITES AND ADJACENT FARMLANDS IN KAFANCHAN TOWN, KADUNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Purpose: This study focuses on establishing the presence and concentration of heavy metals as well as investigating the physicochemical properties of dumpsite soils and adjacent farms in the vicinity of Aduwan, Katsit, Bayan-loco, Ungwa Bala and Faringida in Kafanchan town, Kaduna Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Methodology: Surface soil was randomly sampled at the depth of (0-15 cm) from the dumpsites and adjacent farms and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and contamination by lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd).The sample soils were generally sandy-loamy with pH ranging from 7.30 to 7.28. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged between 5.61cmol/kg and 7.80cmol kg−1. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in Aduwan dumpsite are: Ni(240.15±20.55 mg/L), Cr(45.65±1.15 mg/L), Pb(100.10±2.30 mg/L); Bayan-loco dumpsite: Ni(168.1±15.75 mg/L), Cr(41.05±6.45 mg/L), Pb(81.20±18.90 mg/L); Ugwan-bala dumpsite: Ni(175.65±3.45 mg/L), Cr(34.45±5.95 mg/L), Pb(98.95±2.30 mg/L); Farin-gida dumpsite: Ni(166.45±31.15 mg/L), Cr(58.25±28.85 mg/L), Pb(85.15±67.43 mg/L); Katsit dumpsite: Ni(125.25±6.85 mg/L), Cr(32.45±5.15 mg/L), Pb(76.80±1.42 mg/L).Cadmium was not detected at all in all sampled plots. Findings: Analytical results showed that Lead (Pb) was the predominant ion in soils of the sampled areas. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study observes that dumpsites were serving as major reservoirs of heavy metals. WHO identify the discussed heavy metals to be highly toxic therefore a better waste management system need to be instituted to minimize their accumulation soils.