Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Farm Soil and Irrigation Water in Yamaltu Deba Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals concentration is worrisome because of its accumulation in the soil, water and food substances. It poses a great threat to human and animals such as lung cancer, liver damage and gastrointestinal distress. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the level of heavy metals in farm soil and irrigation water in Yamaltu Deba Gombe State. Samples were appropriately stored, preserved and treated before they were transported for laboratory analysis.  Results obtained from the laboratory analysis were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. The mean values were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level. The results of this study revealed that the accumulation of heavy metals in farm soil and irrigation water shows the concentration of cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Arsenic, Cobalt, Iron and Cupper were significantly below the WHO permissible limit except for Manganese that recorded highest value in all the sampling point. The results were above the permissible limit. Water samples were also analyzed to determine the accumulation of heavy metals concentrations. Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Arsenic, Cobalt, Iron and Cupper was found to be in a range of 0.11 to 0.083. The high concentration was recorded at Kunji normal and the lowest in Kanawa control. Even though, they were below the permissible limit of 0.1. Cadmium was undetected in all samples obtained from Kwadom control, Poli normal as well as Poli control. Manganese has highest value above the WHO Permissible limit. In analyzed soil samples, the moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter were found below the permissible limit, except electrical conductivity and organic matter were found to be above the limit. It can be recommended that soil in the study area is good for crop production, the water and vegetables are safe for drinking and consumption.