ABSTRACT

 The focus of this study is to determine concentration of lead and cadmium levels in soil and compost and their impact on plant growth. Compost was prepared from kitchen wastes (pineapples peels, banana peels, orange peels, cabbage peels, plantain peels, watermelon peels) and amended with raw materials such as corn cobs, cow bone and palm oil sludge. Kitchen waste was obtained from various vendors around the vicinity of Ekosodin Ugbowo. Corn cobs and palm oil sludge were obtained from Uselu Market, Benin city, the cow bones was obtained from the abbatior from New Benin market along Uselu road Benin city Descriptive analysis was carried out on the raw materials, soil, and compost. Metal levels were quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy, other parameters such as moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, volatile matter, total organic matter, phosphorous, potassium, total nitrogen, total organic carbon were also measured. Over 15 days, lead and cadmium levels were tracked in pots with bean plants. Initially, Pot B had higher lead levels (0.07mg/l) due to the difference in soil and compost proportion while Pot A had the highest cadmium (0.06mg/l), potentially from pesticide exposure. Over time, all pots reached uniform cadmium levels (0.01mg/l) and decreasing lead concentrations (0.01mg/l). lead and cadmium in soil decreased due to plant uptake also some plants deteriorated by Day 15 due to reduced moisture content and Pot D showed no growth, possibly due to a high compost-to-soil ratio. This study highlights the relationship between plant development and soil metal content, emphasizing the significance of moisture control and soil composition in agriculture.