Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils around Gidan Saru Mining Site, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Ahmad, B.B. Federal University Gusau
  • Tsafe, A. I. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  • Uba, A. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  • Aliyu, S. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Keywords:

Heavy metals, mining, soil, pollution, Gold

Abstract

Diseases and their associated health defects are most often related to the quality of the total environment which in itself is also related to the quality and quantity of wastes generated. This study assessed the level of lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc and Nickel in soil samples from Gidan Saru village, Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State, Nigeria,  in order to assess the influence of mining activities on the environment. Top soil samples (0- 5 cm) were taken at various locations (Grinding mills, Residential premises and Tailings) within the village and analyzed for these metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that only the levels of Cu (173.58±10.65mg/kg, 172.28±3.50mg/kg and 158.31±5.06mg/kg) across three sampling locations (Tailings, Residential premises and Grinding mills site) were found above USEPA maximum permissible limit  but the rest were below USEPA, except for Mn at Grinding mills whose value was above  Maximum Permissible Limit.

 

Author Biographies

Ahmad, B.B., Federal University Gusau

Department of Chemistry, Federal University Gusau

Tsafe, A. I., Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Uba, A., Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Aliyu, S., Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Department of Physics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

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Published

2016-09-26

How to Cite

Ahmad, B.B., Tsafe, A. I., Uba, A., & Aliyu, S. (2016). Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils around Gidan Saru Mining Site, Zamfara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science for Global Sustainability, 2(3), 12. Retrieved from https://fugus-ijsgs.com.ng/index.php/ijsgs/article/view/233

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2016): INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY (IJSGS)

Section

Articles

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