ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN IRISH POTATOES AND SOILS FROM AN ABANDONED MINING SITE IN JOS-SOUTH, USING AAS AND XRF TECHNIQUES.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The mining industry has contributed significantly to environmental pollution, particularly through heavy metal contamination of soils and crops in mining areas. This study aimed to assess the heavy metal contamination in Irish potatoes and soils from an abandoned mining site in Jos-South using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques. Soil and potato samples were collected from different locations around the mining site and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated elevated levels of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in both the soil and potato samples compared to background levels. AAS analysis revealed Pb concentrations ranging from 15.2 mg/kg to 78.6 mg/kg in soil samples and from 0.32 mg/kg to 2.45 mg/kg in potato samples. Similarly, Cd concentrations ranged from 2.1 mg/kg to 11.4 mg/kg in soil samples and from 0.08 mg/kg to 0.56 mg/kg in potato samples. XRF analysis showed higher levels of As in soil samples (ranging from 6.5 mg/kg to 28.9 mg/kg) compared to potato samples (ranging from 0.15 mg/kg to 1.02 mg/kg). The contamination levels observed in the study exceed the permissible limits set by regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming Irish potatoes grown in contaminated soils from abandoned mining sites. Continuous exposure to heavy metals through food consumption can lead to various health issues, including heavy metal poisoning and long-term chronic diseases. The findings underscore the urgent need for remediation measures to reduce heavy metal contamination in the soil and prevent further uptake by crops. Implementing sustainable soil management practices and phytoremediation techniques could help mitigate the impact of heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce from mining areas. In conclusion, the assessment of heavy metal contamination in Irish potatoes and soils from the abandoned mining site in Jos-South revealed significant pollution levels of Pb, Cd, and As. A multi-faceted approach involving soil remediation, agricultural best practices, and public health awareness is necessary to address the environmental and health risks posed by heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce.