Investigation of Quality and Heavy Metal Pollution in Vegetable-Growing Areas of Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v22i5.3918Keywords:
Soil quality, heavy metal, pollution, soil indicators, soil quality index, Geo-accumulationAbstract
Anthropogenic activities cause soil pollution. The study assessed soil quality and heavy metal pollution in vegetable growing areas of Ogun and Oyo states, Nigeria. Samples were collected at 3 points to form composite sample of 500 g collected from 11 selected farm settlement areas in replicates. The concentrations of physicochemical parameters, including selected heavy metals {Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd)}, were analyzed. The Soil Indices were assessed. The soils were of Na2SO4 type, and with pH exceeding the limit for vegetable cultivation, except in Odogbolu and Kisi. The Na2SO4 content in soil may reduce the limit of soil moisture, thereby having negative impacts on soil strength with consequence on plant yield. There were significant (p < 0.05) variations in all parameters analyzed, with the majority exceeding acceptable limits. The concentration of metals decreased in the order of Cu > Pb > Cd. > Cr > Ni. Cu was in abundance in all samples. The Pb and Cd levels in the majority of samples exceeded the regulatory standard. Iresa has the greatest soil quality index values (0.69) and scores indicating no limitations to soil pollution. Soils were moderately polluted with Cu and Pb, with the highest detected in Ilaro in Ogun state and Ido in Oyo state. Regulatory authorities should provide effective controls to reduce Cu and Pb pollution in these study areas.
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