Assessment of the health risk of some heavy metals in cabbage grown on dumpsite at Hanwa in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Pollution of soil with heavy metals can lead to high concentration of the metals in plants, consequently in animals and human body. Cadmium, Copper and Lead concentrations were determined in soil samples and cabbage (Brassica oleracea) grown on a dumpsite at Hanwa in Zaria, Nigeria. Both the soil and plant samples were digested using a mixture of Nitric acid and Perchloric acid (ratio 3:1). The metals concentrations in the samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Soil parameters like Particle Size, pH, Moisture Content, and Organic Matter were also evaluated using standard methods. The results indicated much higher concentrations of heavy metals in the soil than roots, stems and leaves of the analyzed cabbage sample. The Cd level in the plant samples ranged from 1.20 to 1.70mg/kg (site) and 0.80 to 1.00mg/kg (control). Concentration of Cu in the samples ranged from 15.50 to 35.90mg/kg (site) and 7.30 to 13.90mg/kg (control) and Pb: 19.40 to 42.70mg/kg (site) and 5.80 to 26.40mg/kg (control)were above the recommended limit by joint FAO/WHO. The Transfer Factor (TF) of the studied metals from soil to cabbage leaves were in the order of Cd (0.92) > Pb (0.58) > Cu (0.44).In this study, the Health Risk Index (HRI) for Pb (3.421) was found to be greater than 1, which indicates significant potential health risks. The high level of these heavy metals places the consumers of cabbages grown within the dumpsite area at health risk. Cultivation of vegetables on metal dumpsites should be discouraged as the soils are polluted with heavy metals.