ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Nigerian
Agricultural Soils
Isiguzo Edwin Ahaneku, Bashiru Omeiza Sadiq
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Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering,
Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2014;23(4):1091-1100
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ABSTRACT
Safety issues and potential health implications associated with the uptake of heavy metals in agricultural
soils are matters of grave concern. This study assessed the level of heavy metal contents in agricultural soils
of Minna. Twenty-five surface soil samples were analyzed for Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Ag, Hg, As, and Cu.
The heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Mean heavy metals content
were higher in Gidan-Kwano and Bosso than in Maitumbi, Chanchaga, and Maikunkele. Principal components
analysis (PCA) showed the sequence of paramount importance as follows: Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Ag>Cd>As>Hg.
Results indicated that all the heavy metal contents except Cu were lower than the threshold values used.