ASSESSMENTOF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN SOIL AND GROUND WATER: CASE STUDY OF DUMPSITE ALONG UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ROAD-MAKURDI

Abstract

The physiochemical properties and level of heavy metals in soil and ground water were investigated from solid waste dumpsite along Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria. Samples collected were digested using standard methods and the levels of heavy metals were analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) techniques. The soil pH ranged from 5.5 – 6.10 for 25cm depth while the organic matter content ranged 10.20 – 11.35% and (10.50 – 12.51)% for the two depth. The results of soil samples indicated the following ranges of concentrations (mg/kg) at 25cm depth: Pb (9.10 – 17.80), Cr (16.53 – 45.20) and Cd (0.54 – 0.80). At 50cm depth, Pb (8.37-15.80), Cr (16.53-45.20) and Cr (0.54-0.80). Generally, the results of the analysis shows that the concentration of the heavy metals decreases with depth in the soil samples. The mean concentration of heavy metals in the soil samples were below WHO and NSDWQ recommended values. But the values of the ground water samples were higher than the permissible limits for drinking water. Therefore closure of the waste dumpsite is recommended to avoid harm to human health as a result of bioaccumulation of the heavy metal with time.