Pollution-Level-Assessment of Heavy Metals from Solid Waste in Soil and Crops at Ugwuaji Dumpsite, Enugu South L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals pollution is a global environmental concern as a result of contamination of the soil as well as plant uptake of these elements. The aim of this study is to examine the level of heavy metal pollution in soil and maize plants caused by these heavy metals accumulation as a result of municipal solid waste deposition at Ugwuaji, Enugu South L.G.A of Enugu State. Experimental research method was used which involved the sample collection and laboratory analyses of soil and maize leave samples at different distances of 1,2,3,4 and 5m apart at the solid waste dump site. The result of the laboratory analyses indicates that the soil is presently contaminated with the heavy metals: Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Hg. The implication is that the waste dump has degraded the soil quality in Ugwuaji and environs, thus creating possible health challenges to the people.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Soil contamination, Anthropogenic activities, Landfill, Accumulation rate, Uptake

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/14-2-02

Publication date:March 31^st 2024