Title: Heavy Metal Assessment Of Water, Selected Irrigated Vegetables, And Soil From Uke River, Uke Nasarawa State Of Nigeria
Authors: Okibe P.O., Ayilara S.I., Ochigbo-Ejembi, M. O. Aribido S. O. Salami U.V., Anyim P.B, Abdul. R.O. Lakanse R.G., Enyi O.E.
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 137-144
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This research aimed to assess the heavy metal concentration of samples collected from around the Uke River, Uke, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The water, soil, sediment, and vegetable samples were collected and prepared appropriately, after which they were cleaned and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The concentrations of heavy metals, including zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd), were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry while the physicochemical parameters: pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were also determined, using pH meter, EC meter and Azide-modified-Winkler method as described in ADHA (2005). The results of the physicochemical parameter analysis were in the following range: pH (7.2-8.7), total dissolved solids (20.4 -305mg/l), electric conductivity (43.3-568ms/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (11-24mg/l), and dissolved oxygen (5.31-5.45mg/l). The heavy metal concentration of the water, sediment, soil, and vegetable samples analyzed revealed that in the water sample, Zn concentration is not fully compliant with the WHO acceptable limit, while the lower end of the samples range (0.03) is within the WHO acceptable range of 0.01 to 0.05, the upper end of the sample range (0.07) exceeds the WHO's maximum permissible limit of 0.05. The concentration of Ni, Pb, and Cd exceeds the acceptable limit, while the concentration of Cu is below the acceptable limit. In the sediment sample, Zn concentration is not fully compliant with the WHO acceptable limit, while the lower end of the samples range (0.45) is within the WHO acceptable range of 0.01 to 0.05, the upper end of the sample range (1.01) exceeds the WHO's maximum permissible limit of (<1). The concentrations of Ni and Cu exceed the WHO acceptable limit, while the concentrations of Pb and Cd are below the WHO acceptable limit. In the soil sample, Ni, Pb, and Cd concentrations exceeded the WHO acceptable limit, while the concentrations of Zn and Cu were below the acceptable limit. In the vegetable sample, Zn concentration was not fully compliant with the WHO acceptable limit, while the lower end of the samples range (0.06) was within the WHO acceptable range of 0.01 to 0.05, the upper end of the sample range (0.06mg/g) exceeded the WHO's maximum permissible limit of the concentration of Pb exceeded the WHO acceptable limit (0.06mg/g), while the concentrations of Ni, Cu, Cd were below the acceptable limit. The results obtained indicate there is notable heavy metal contamination of most of the samples collected from around the Uke River, which could lead to deleterious effects on the health and lives of humans and animals. The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals analysis of the Uke River water and other environmental samples revealed that the pH is slightly alkaline, and the water may not be suitable for direct consumption without some form of treatment or purification, even though the heavy metal concentration was below the permissible limit, except for Pb. In conclusion, these research findings imply that there is a source of gradual contamination of the Uke River water. It is recommended that regular monitoring of the level of heavy metals in and around the Uke River be established. Measures to mitigate the contamination and subsequent pollution of the Uke River should be strictly adhered to ensure environmental sustainability.