ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN WATER AND SOME FOOD CROPS CULTIVATED ALONG RIVER KUBANNI AND GALMA, IN ZARIA, NIGERIA
ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN WATER AND SOME FOOD CROPS CULTIVATED ALONG RIVER KUBANNI AND GALMA, IN ZARIA, NIGERIA
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Date
2011-01
Authors
ONALO, Deborah Victoria
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Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of food crops through irrigation is a major concern due to the
potential risk involved. This study was designed to investigate the contamination of food crops
grown through irrigation along River Kubanni and Galma, Zaria, with heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Mn,
Cd, Cr and Fe). To achieve this, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd, Cr and Fe concentrations in water and food
crops and the transfer factor of these metals from water to food crops were determined. Samples
of food crops (maize, spinach, lettuce and bitter leaf) and corresponding irrigating water were
collected, water sample from Zaria water works was also collected as a control and metals
assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed the presence Cu, Cr,
Pb, Cd and Fe in all the food crops although significantly higher in lettuce compared to other
food crops beyond the limits of International standard FAO/WHO. Water samples revealed low
concentration of Cu and Mn, with values below the International permissible limits for water
quality, WHO with exception of Pb, Cr, Fe and Cd (at some sites). Metal transfer factors from
water to food crops are found significant in leafy vegetable (lettuce, spinach and bitter leaf) than
maize. From this result, it was also observed that other than contamination of food crops by
irrigation water, other sources of metal deposit could be responsible. Generally, heavy metal
contamination of food crops grown along River Kubanni and Galma, Zaria posed a great health
risk to the local population through consumption of the food crops especially lettuce
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF SCIENCE
(PHARMACEUTILCAL CHEMISTRY)
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCE,
FACULTY OF MEDICINE ,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
ASSESSMENT,, HEAVY METALS,, WATER,, FOOD CROPS CULTIVATED,, RIVER KUBANNI,, GALMA,, ZARIA,, NIGERIA.