Assessment of trace metal content in water, soil and vegetables samples in the vicinity influenced by industrial effluents

Abstract

Pollution of the environment by trace metals emanating from rapid economic growth and improper waste and effluent disposal is a major concern. In this study trace metal concentrations, Cu, Zn, Pn, Ni, Sn, Cr, Fe, Co Mn and Cd in water, soil and vegetable samples in two urban streams influenced by effluents disposal from two industries were analysed using PG-990 Model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Analytical results of water samples in the vicinity of the two industries indicated higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pn, Ni and Mn above the acceptable limits reported by the FAO/WHO (2000). The concentration of trace metals in soil and vegetables from the two sites were within the tolerance limits reported by FAO/WHO (2004) and FAO/WHO (2007) respectively. Cd was not detected in water and vegetable samples from NASCO household industrial area and also in water samples from Grand Cereals and Oil Mills area. However, the higher concentrations of trace metals in the polluted (either directly or indirectly) areas were higher than the control indicator that industrial activities such as discharge of wastes and effluents into natural ecosystem in most cases without treatment may cause health hazard as well as environmental pollution.