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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2015 pp 254-259
Research Article
Evaluation of heavy metal profiles in Telfairia occidentalis Hook and soil along Abak-Oruk Anam Ukanafun road in Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria
M M Etukudo1, I J Okereke2, E J Ekpo3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, NIGERIA.
2Department of Environmental Resource Management, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, NIGERIA.
3Departments of Chemistry, University of Calabar, Cross River State, NIGERIA.
Abstract
Evaluation of heavy metal contents in soil and Telfairia occidentalis Hook was carried out along Abak- Oruk Anam- Ukanafun road in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Two major sampling locations, road side (RS) and remote area (RA) were choosen and sub-divided into four sampling units each, RS1 to RS4 (RS1- Obio Akpa, RS2- Ikot Uboh, RS3- Nkek Abak and RS4- Ikot Akpa Ntuen) and RA1 to RA4 (RA1- Obio Akpa, RA2- Ikot Uboh, RA3- Nkek Abak and RA4- Ikot Akpa Ntuen). Leaf (Telfairia occidentalis) and soil samples were obtained from each sampling units in five replicates. Soil chemical properties (pH, organic matter, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) and heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, lead, and cadmium) in experimental soil and leaf of the test crop were examined in each sampling unit. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in soil chemical properties, heavy metal contents (zinc, copper, iron, lead and cadmium) in soil and leaf of the test crop between the two major sampling locations. The values of the heavy metals of the contaminated sites were within the internationally recommended levels of crop tolerance in agricultural soils. This study suggests that there were significant (P < 0.05) variations in levels of heavy metals between the two sampling locations; hence, construction companies should always put in place appropriate measures to handle the contamination around their construction sites, most especially in cultivated lands.
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