GEO-ACCUMULATION AND ENRICHMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS IN MEKE

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the geoaccumulation and enrichment of heavy metals in the soil of Meke community, Edo state. A total of twenty two (22) soil samples was collected from (10) sampling locations and a control location situated 2km from the sampling location at depth 0-15cm (topsoil) and 15-30cm (subsurface soil) and the heavy metals in the soil were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The findings revealed the pH of the soil is acidic and the physico-chemical property OM in the soil is high. The results from the heavy metal concentration showed the variability of Fe>Zn>Cr>Pb. Comparing the results with control and DPR established values; the study area was below permissible limit. Based on cluster analysis Site 1 and site 10 share no similar characteristics. The EF values for Zn, Cu and Mn indicated moderate enrichment for topsoil and Pb and Ni showed moderate enrichment for subsurface soil. Igeo revealed that Fe, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co showed moderate pollution in top soil. Meanwhile in the subsurface soil Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Mn, Cr and Co were unpolluted while Pb and Ni indicated moderate pollution. It is therefore recommended that sources of heavy metal contamination should be identified for effective remediation.