Heavy metals in dumpsite soils and vegetables in Abia State

Physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal constituents of five dumpsite soils and edible vegetables grown in two major metropolis of Abia
State, Nigeria
IRJBB
Physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal
constituents of five dumpsite soils and edible
vegetables grown in two major metropolis of Abia
State, Nigeria
1*
Chinyere GC* and 2
Madu FU
1*,2
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
The levels of heavy metals in soils of five dumpsites located in Aba and Umuahia
metropolis, Abia State Nigeria, were analysed. Also these heavy metals were analysed in
Solanum hycopersicum, Talissium triangulae, Amaranthus spinosus, Solanum macrocarpon
and ad Curcurbita pepo grown on these dumpsites. The heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg)
obtained from the soils of the studied dumpsites were significantly higher (P<0.05) than
those of control soil samples. The ranges obtained for these dumpsite soils heavy metals
were copper 0.59±0.04 – 4.19±0.02, zinc 3.81±0.07 – 6.68±0.01, manganese 1.36±0.03-
2.91±0.02, cadmium 0.52±0.04 – 3.27±0.05, lead 1.05±0.04 – 3.57±0.02, iron 4.78±0.09 –
17.22±0.08, chromium 1.25±0.02 – 3.23±0.05, cobalt 0.52±0.04 – 1.36±0.03, mickel 0.78±0.03 –
2.09±0.07; and mercury 2.04±0.02 – 4.30±0.07. Although all the analysed heavy metals were
present in sampled vegetables, only cadmium (1.42±0.08mg/kg) and lead (2.11±0.15mg/kg) in
Amaranthus spinosus from Osisioma dumpsite, Aba were above FAO/WHO guidelines for
metals in foods and vegetables grown on these dumpsites may pose a health hazard to
consumers.
Keywords: Heavy metals, dumpsites, metropolis, soils, vegetables
INTRODUCTION
In most developing countries like Nigeria, indiscriminate
dumping of waste has become a problem as many of
the waste dumps are located near residential areas,
markets, farms and road sides. Olorunfemi and Odita
(1998) noted that the composition of these waste dump
varies widely with many human activities located close
to them. This could mean that the composition of waste
dumps in the urban areas is greater than those in the
rural areas since more industrial and other
anthropogenic activities take place in the urban areas.
The open dumping of solid waste apart from being
unsanitary and unaesthetic creates breeding space for
rodents, flies, mosquitoes and other disease carrying
vectors. Most of the disposal sites are not scientifically
selected or well-planned making them accessible to
scavengers, animals and vegetable cultivators (Obasi
et al., 2012). Biswas (1989) stated that municipal
wastes not only contain valuable and often re-usable
materials but also contain increasing amount of
hazardous substances. The hazardous substances
include mercury from batteries, cadmium from
fluorescent tubes, pesticides and bleaches as well as a
wide range of toxic chemicals like wood preservatives,
paints and disinfectants. Most of the vegetable
cultivated by local inhabitants around these dumpsites
include: Amaranthus spinosus, Cucurbita pepo,
Talinum triangulare, Solanum macrocarpon and
Solanum lycopesicum.
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Chinyere G.C.,
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University,
Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. Email:
gcchinyere@yahoo.com
International Research Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Vol. 2(2), pp. 014-027, November, 2015. © www.premierpublishers.org, ISSN: 2167-0438x
Research Article

State, Nigeria
Chinyere and Madu 014
In Nigeria, they are common vegetables and go with
many Nigerian dishes. Plants can absorb some
amounts of heavy metals from the soil but the amount
they absorb is directly proportional to the species and
variety of plants, the chemical composition of the soil,
the amount of heavy metal and the soil temperature
(Adefemi et al., 2012). Dietary intake of heavy metasl
through contaminated vegetables may lead to various
chronic diseases. Duruibe et al. (2007) suggested that
biotoxic effect of heavy metals depend upon the
concentration and oxidation states of these metals, kind
of sources and mode of deposition. Several cases of
heavy metals toxicities in Nigeria have been reported.
Galadima and Garba (2012) noted that the major heavy
metal toxicity cases in Nigeria were believed to be
associated with lead poisoning. They are mostly severe
in young children because their brains and central
nervous systems are still being formed. Learning
disability, staunted growth, poor brain sensation,
behavioural problems, kidney damage and impaired
hearing are associated with low levels of exposure
(Galadima and Garba, 2012). Garba et al. (2010)
reported a mean arsenic concentration of 0.34mg/l in
drinking water from hand dug wells, boreholes and taps
of Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State. The
arsenic levels are of serious concerns to regulatory
agencies because they by far exceeded the limit
(0.01mg/L) recommended by WHO. The causes of the
pollution by heavy metals are attributed to
anthropogenic activities (Galadima et al., 2010; Dan-
Azumi and Bichi, 2010; Ladigbolu and Balogun, 2011;
Nubi et al., 2011).
Recently, Ezejiofor et al. (2013) suggested that Aba
City presently under siege by wastes, particularly
refuse, may be under a very heavy load of metal
pollution. Since Aba and Umuahia are the most
industrialized cities of Abia State with high
anthropogenic activities, the need to evaluate the heavy
metal content of soil and vegetables from dumpsites
located in them is evident. This investigation is
therefore, aimed at assessing the heavy metal status of
dumpsite soils in Aba and Umuahia and to ascertain
their level of accumulation in vegetables growing on
them. The results obtained will give an insight into
health hazards posed by consumption of these
vegetables which are freely harvested by inhabitants of
these two cities.
Area of Study
The five dumpsite used in this study are, Abia Tower
dumpsite Umuahia lying, (longitude 07
o
30’11”E and
latitude 05
o
31’59”N), Ubakala dumpsite: longitude
(07
o
29’28E” and latitude 05
o
29’42”N), Osisioma Ngwa
dumpsite, (longitude 07
o
25’26”E and latitude
05
o
16’23”N), Enyima dumpsite: (longitude 07
o
23’46”E
and latitude 05
o
2’35”N) and Ihie dumpsite (longitude
07
o
21’47”E and latitude 05
o
12’35”N).
These five dumpsites are in Abia State, South-Eastern
Nigeria and are all located along Port Harcourt – Enugu
Express Road between Aba and Umuahia metropolis
(fig.1). The area is low lying with good road network
and drained by Imo and Aba rivers and their tributaries
respectively.
The dumpsites are surrounded by farmlands and
industries (mostly chemical industries). The wastes in
most of the dumpsites are usually subjected to manual
random sorting by scavengers.
Soil Sampling
A total of 3 sample (from 3 different points, 3m apart)
were collected from each of the five dumpsites between
0-9cm depth while control samples were collected
outside the dumpsites but within the locality. Collection
bags were washed with water and sun-dered before the
samples were collected using plastic auger. The
samples were collected during the mid rainy season
month (May-June). The collected soil samples were
stored in sealed polythene bags and transported to the
laboratory for pre-treatment and analysis. Samples not
immediately used for analysis were stored in
refrigerators (4
o
c).
Extraction of the Soil Samples
The soil samples were air-dried, mechanically
grounded using a stainless steel roller, mortar and
pestle. The grounded soil was sieved to obtain <2mm
fraction. The soil samples were then digested in a
mixture of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3),
concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 27.5%
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as described by USEPA for
the analysis of heavy metals (USEPA, 1996). The
digest was filtered (Whatman filter paper No. 42) into
50ml standard flask and made to the mark with de-
ionized water.
Vegetable Sampling
Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Solanum macrocarpon
(African eggplant), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato),
Amaranthus spinosus (spinny amaranth) and Cucurbita
pepo (pumpkin) were collected from each of the
dumpsites. The choice of vegetables collected was
based on their common availability in all the dumpsites.
A total of 3, each of the five vegetables were collected
from each of the five dumpsites. Only edible parts of
the vegetables were used for the analysis. The
vegetables were harvested at the same time as the soil
samples. Plant samples identification was done at Plant
Science and Biotechnology Department Laboratory,
Abia State University, Uturu. The vegetables were
washed with tap water followed by distilled water. The
control vegetable samples were collected at points
outside the vicinity of the dumpsites. They were stored
in clean sealed polythene bags and transported to the
laboratory for pre-treatment and analysis. Unused
samples were stored in refrigerators (4
o
c) as for soil
samples.

State, Nigeria
Int. Res. J. Biochem. Biotechnol. 015
Table 1. Physicochemical parameters of soil samples
Dumpsite/
Parameters
IHIE ENYIMBA OSISIOMA ABIA TOWER UBAKALA
Sample Control Sample Control Sample Control Sample Control Sample Control
TEMP (
O
C) 26.10 +
0.10
b
27.27
+ 0.06
a
26.73 +
0.12
a
26.90
+ 0.20
a
27.20 +
0.20
a
27.60
+ 0.20
a
26.33 +
0.35
b
27.77
+ 0.06
a
26.17 +
0.29
b
27.47
+ 0.45
a
pH 5.71 +
0.30
b
6.80 +
0.10
a
6.65 +
0.24
a
7.10 +
0.10
a
6.09 +
0.12
b
7.00 +
0.03
a
4.61 +
0.22
b
6.50 +
0.10
a
6.18 +
0.33
a
7.17 +
0.55
a
CEC
(cmol/kg)
12.25 +
2.94
a
16.15
+ 0.15
a
15.46 +
3.24
a
18.21
+ 0.02
a
15.93 +
2.29
a
18.60
+ 2.20
a
10.57 +
0.93
b
15.70
+ 0.65
a
4.10 +
0.36
b
6.37 +
0.06
a
Organic
carbon (%)
29.37 +
5.56
b
25.94
+ 0.24
a
46.45 +
13.44
a
37.20
+ 1.05
a
55.61 +
13.89
a
40.83
+ 0.15
a
28.95 +
14.15
a
20.08
+ 0.60
a
28.63 +
1.85
b
24.20
+ 0.79
a
Moisture
content (%)
36.58 +
1.09
b
31.51
+ 0.11
a
44.02 +
2.33
b
38.55
+ 0.92
a
42.73 +
3.22
a
39.82
+ 0.80
a
32.40 +
1.05
b
30.60
+ 0.41
a
37.05 +
1.41
b
29.35
+ 0.30
a
Results represent mean + standard deviation of triplicate results obtained (n = 3).
Mean in the same row, having different alphabets are statistically significant (p < 0.05) using Least Significant Difference (LSD).
Extraction of the vegetable samples
The dry ashing method as described by James (1995)
was used followed by atomic absorption
spectrophotometric analysis as stipulated in the
UNICAM manual for atomic absorption
spectrophotometry. Each determination was carried out
by accurately measuring a sample of Ig of a ground
sample in a crucible. The crucible with its content was
placed in a muffle furnace and ashed at 450°C for 12h.
The ash was digested with 5ml of 20% (v/v) HCI solution.
The residue was filtered into a 50ml volumetric flask using
Whatman filter paper No. 42, and the solution was made to
the mark with deionised water.
The atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)
determination of heavy metals
The method as described by James (1995) was used. The
extracted soil and vegetables solutions were aspirated into
the instrument after all necessary setup and standardization
procedures. Heavy metals were determined using UNICAM
model 939. For analytical quality assurance, after every five
sample readings, standards were run to make sure that the
margin of error was within 5%. A 10cm long slot burner
head, a lamp and a standard air-acetylene flame were
used.
Determination of physicochemical parameters of
soil samples
The cation exchange capacity of the soil samples was
determined by method of Dewis and Freitas (1970)
while organic carbon was determined as described by
Osuji and Adesiyan (2005). Soil pH was measured by
method of Bates (1954) while soil temperature was
determined as described by APHA (1998) using
mercury-in-glass thermometer at site of soil samples
connection. Similarly soil moisture determination was
as described by APHA (1998).
Statistical Analysis
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedure was used to
analyse the results statistically and difference in mean
of soil samples were separated using least significant
difference (LSD). The Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS) 2010 was used.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Physicochemical parameters of soil samples
From this study, the temperatures of the dumpsite soils
were statistically lower than control soil samples (Table
1). Low soil temperatures are indicative of reduced
microbial activities ( Nwaugo et al. 2008). Similarly
reduction in soil temperatures adversely affects plant
growth. Soil pH varies inversely to the solubility of
metallic elements in the soil and increase in solubility
makes the metallic ions more readily available to the
plants, (Salam and Helmke, 1998). The results show
that the pH of the dumpsite soils in the present study
were significantly low (p<0.05) compared to control
samples. This agrees with Amadi et al., (2012); Uwa et
al. (2011) and Ademi and Awokunmi (2013). This low
pH values for the study area may be attributed to the
buffering effect of substances containing carbonates
such as bricks or cements (Uwa et al., 2011).
Moderately acidic soils have been shown to support
plant growth as it promotes soil fertility (Tauta et al.,
2014). Soil CEC depends mainly on the pH, clay and
soil organic matter content (Amos-Tauta et al., 2014).
Results obtained in this study revealed that soils from
the dumpsites had significantly (P<0.05) lower CEC
than the control soil samples (Table 1). Amos-Tauta et
al., (2014) has shown low CEC to result from acid pH
soils. The dumpsites soil organic carbon content were
significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of control soil
samples (table 1). This could be due of degradation

State, Nigeria
Table 2: Concentrations (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in the soils of the selected dumpsites

Dumpsite/
heavy
metals
Cu 2.14 +
0.04
a
0.47 +
0.02
b
3.80+0.02
a
2.40+0.03
b
4.19 +
0.02
a
3.28 +
1.00
b
2.58 +
0.05
a
0.22 +
0.09
b
0.59 +
0.04
a
0.18 +
0.04
b
Zn 5.31 +
0.05
a
0.85 +
0.02
b
6.68+0.01
a
0.57+0.03
b
5.10 +
0.03
a
1.17 +
0.04
b
3.81 +
0.07
a
0.61 +
0.02
b
4.55 +
0.02
a
0.61 +
0.03
b
Mn 1.36 +
0.03
a
0.12 +
0.08
b
2.91+0.02
a
2.35+0.05
b
2.27 +
0.05
a
1.65 +
0.03
b
1.96 +
0.08
a
0.62 +
0.09
b
1.74 +
0.03
a
0.25 +
0.04
b
Cd 0.52 +
0.04
a
0.53 +
0.07
a
3.27+0.05
a
0.54+0.02
b
3.23 +
0.03
a
0.71 +
0.05
b
1.06 +
0.01
a
0.39 +
0.01
b
1.16 +
0.10
a
Nd
Pb 1.05 +
0.04
a
0.31 +
0.04
b
3.57+0.02
a
2.59+0.01
b
2.61 +
0.74
a
1.76 +
0.02
b
1.22 +
0.10
a
0.91 +
0.02
a
1.92 +
0.04
a
0.20 +
0.03
b
Fe 11.14 +
0.00
a
5.20 +
0.20
b
10.47+
0.06
a
5.68+0.03
b
17.22 +
0.08
a
10.10
+ 0.08
b
5.09 +
0.08
a
3.73 +
0.03
b
4.78 +
0.09
a
3.27 +
0.04
b
Cr 1.25 +
0.02
a
0.19 +
0.01
b
3.23+0.05
a
1.75+0.04
b
2.55 +
0.04
a
1.78 +
0.02
b
2.14 +
0.10
a
0.14 +
0.04
b
1.29 +
0.04
a
0.11 +
0.02
b
Co 1.36 +
0.03
a
0.21 +
0.09
b
0.80+0.01
a
0.14+0.02
b
0.90 +
0.09
a
0.35 +
0.01
b
0.68 +
0.04
a
Nd 0.52 +
0.02
a
0.16 +
0.04
b
Ni 1.58 +
0.04
a
0.56 +
0.02
b
2.09+0.07
a
0.88+0.04
b
1.11 +
0.05
a
0.52 +
0.02
b
0.78 +
0.03
a
0.28 +
0.01
b
1.02 +
0.03
a
0.37 +
0.03
b
Hg 2.04 +
0.02
a
0.68 +
0.01
b
4.30+0.07
a
1.19+0.01
b
2.79 +
0.08
a
1.04 +
0.03
b
2.28 +
0.08
a
0.40 +
0.02
b
2.23 +
0.13
a
0.43 +
0.02
b
Mean in the same row, having different alphabets are statistically different (p < 0.05) using Least Significant Difference (LSD).
Nd = Not detected
taking place in the dumpsites or presence of
degradable and compostable wastes (Munoz et al.,
1994). Soil moisture content is defined as the direct
capacity of soil to hold water. The result from the
present study revealed that the dumpsite soils had
significantly higher (P<0.05) moisture content than the
control soils. This is similar to results obtained by Obasi
et al., (2012). The high moisture content is attributed to
presence of different waste materials that gave the
dumpsite soil a more water retention capacity.
Heavy metals in dumpsite soils and vegetable
samples
The results obtained showed that soils from the
dumpsites contained significantly (P<0.05) higher
heavy metals than the control soil samples. However,
this high level of heavy metals in the dumpsites were
more pronounced in dumpsites soils from Aba
metropolis (ie. Ihie, Enyimba and Osisioma dumpsites)
which have more industries and high population
density. This is similar to the work of other researchers
(Amusan et al., 2005; Adefmi and Awokumni, 2013).
Awokunmi et al. (2010), reported that heavy metal
content of dumpsites increased with increase in
anthropogenic activities. Since Aba is more
industrialized than Umuahia with higher population
density, the level of heavy metals realized in this study
attests to Awokunmi et al., (2010) report. In all the
dumpsites, iron (Fe) recorded the highest concentration
(4.78±0.09 – 17.22±0.08mg/kg) (Table 2). The higher
level of iron in the dumpsites may be attributed to the
presence of abandoned machinery, machine tools,
automobile parts and structural components for
buildings. The concentration of heavy metals in
vegetables differ from one dumpsite to the other and
vary from one species of vegetables to the other (Table
3). This may be attributed to differential uptake
capacities of vegetables for different heavy metals
through roots and their translocation within the plant
parts (Kihampa et al., 2011). However, the vegetables
recovered from dumpsites in Aba metropolis had more
heavy metal contents than those collected from
Umuahia metropolis.
This points to the fact that the level of these heavy
metals in soils if significantly increased, the test
vegetables will possess the potentials to accumulate
more of the metals (Alloway and Davies, 1971; Grant
and Dobbs, 1997). These heavy metals were
significantly higher (P<0.05) in test than control
vegetables. This agrees with the works of Amusan et
al. (2005) and Opaluwa et al. (2012) on different
dumpsites. All the vegetables used in the present
study showed the ability to accumulate the analyzed
heavy metals into their edible parts. Cucurbita pepo
showed a greater accumulation of the heavy metals in
its leaves than the fruits, but in Solanum macrocarpon,
the level of the heavy metals were found to be greater
in the fruits than in the leaves though non-significantly
(P>0.05).

Physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal constituents of five dumpsite soils and edible vegetables grown in two major metropolis of Abia State, Nigeria
Table 3. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato fruit)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.85+0.04
a
0.05+0.00
b
1.25+0.04
a
0.43+0.02
b
1.13+0.21
a
0.59+0.05
b
0.13+0.03
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
a
Zn 5.71+0.89
a
0.09+0.00
b
13.55+1.09
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.56+0.10
a
0.23+0.03
b
2.90+0.21
a
0.31+0.03
b
3.37+0.56
a
0.31+0.08
b
Mn 2.83+0.12
a
1.84+0.52
b
5.66+0.78
a
0.69+0.05
b
11.95+2.31
a
3.32+0.15
b
4.50+1.00
a
1.26+0.89
b
3.82+0.84
a
0.50+0.91
b
Cd 0.08+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.18+0.03
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.23+0.02
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.14+0.04
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.16+0.02
a
0.01+0.00
b
Pb 0.24+0.03
a
0.20+0.01
a
0.50+0.01
a
0.41+0.01
a
1.04+0.10
a
0.32+0.04
b
0.29+0.01
a
0.18+0.02
b
0.46+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
Fe 0.56+0.04
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.52+0.01
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.52+0.03
a
0. 10+0.03
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.07+0.00
a
Cr 0.38+0.02
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.55+0.02
a
0.26+0.02
b
0. 59+0.04
a
0.28+0.05
b
1.61+0.84
a
0.02+0.00
b
1.01+0.21
a
0.01+0.00
b
Co 0.20+0.02
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.60+0.02
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.87+0.02
a
0.09+0.02
b
0.26+0.01
a
Nd 0.23+0.01
a
0.03+0.00
b
Ni 0.08+0.01
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.16+0.01
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.21+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.09+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.11+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
Hg 0.06+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.08+0.00
a
Nd 0.27+0.01
a
Nd 0.25+0.01
a
Nd
Nd = Not detected
Table 4. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in Talinum triangulae (Water leaf)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.85+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
2.70+0.21
a
0.10+0.05
b
2.22+0.10
a
0.13+0.01
b
1.32+0.03
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.18+0.05
a
0.02+0.00
b
Zn 1.00+0.11
a
0.37+0.04
b
2.94+0.15
a
0.25+0.02
b
4.18+0.05
a
0.53+0.03
b
1.75+0.05
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.82+0.04
a
0.07+0.00
b
Mn 1.54+0.04
a
0.11+0.03
b
0.41+0.05
a
0.29+0.06
b
0.45+0.02
a
0.34+0.01
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.16+0.01
a
0.08+0.00
a
0.13+0.00
b
Cd 0.01+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
a
0.20+0.02
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.02+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
a
Nd 0.01+0.00
a
Nd Nd
Pb 0.21+0.01
a
0.28+0.01
b
1.00+0.14
a
0.60+0.03
b
1.15+0.03
a
0.39+0.03
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.17+0.02
b
0.02+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b

Table 4. Cont.
Fe 0.22+0.02
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.52+0.01
a
0.11+0.02
b
0.52+0.05
a
0. 20+0.01
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.19+0.01
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.16+0.01
b
Cr 0.20+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.49+0.02
a
0.06+0.01
b
0. 49+0.01
a
0.10+0.01
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.18+0.01
b
0.09+0.00
a
0.08+0.00
a
Co 0.10+0.00
a
Nd 0.06+0.00
a
Nd 0.03+0.00
a
Nd 0.08+0.00
a
Nd 0.02+0.00
a
0.08+0.00
b
Ni 0.16+0.04
a
0.13+0.01
b
0.28+0.02
a
0.16+0.02
b
0.31+0.01
a
0.20+0.01
b
0.16+0.01
a
0.06+0.01
b
0.20+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
Hg 0.06+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.12+0.01
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.06+0.00
a
0.10+0.01
b
0.13+0.02
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.03+0.00
a
0.07+0.00
b
Nd = Not detected
Table 5. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in Amaranthus spinosus (Spiny amaranth)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu
1.60+0.14
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.10+0.02
a
0.31+0.02
b
2.18+0.07
a
0.49+0.04
b
1.03+0.11
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.15+0.03
a
0.04+0.00
b
Zn 2.38+0.06
a
0.22+0.03
b
0.25+0.02
a
0.14+0.01
a
1.99+0.02
a
0.28+0.01
b
1.60+0.10
a
0.12+0.05
b
2.00+0.21
a
0.15+0.05
b
Mn 1.04+0.03
a
0.53+0.01
b
0.29+0.01
a
1.29+0.01
b
1.68+0.04
a
0.99+0.04
b
1.53+0.05
a
0.34+0.04
b
1.32+0.05
a
0.14+0.06
b
Cd 0.24+0.04
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.01+0.00
a
0.11+0.01
b
1.42+0.08
a
0.13+0.01
b
0.74+0.03
a
0.05+0.08
b
0.49+0.04
a
Nd
Pb 0.85+0.05
a
0.66+0.05
b
0.60+0.04
a
1.24+0.05
b
2.11+0.15
a
0.92+0.02
b
1.48+0.12
a
0.45+0.00
b
1.32+0.06
a
0.10+0.02
b
Fe 2.23+0.04
a
0.36+0.05
b
0.11+0.01
a
0.28+0.02
b
5.19+0.42
a
0. 71+0.09
b
1.27+0.09
a
0.22+0.05
b
1.15+0.05
a
1.16+0.05
a
Cr 0.51+0.02
a
0.08+0.00
b
0.06+0.00
a
0.14+0.01
b
1. 78+0.08
a
0.17+0.03
b
0.01+0.00
a
0.11+0.00
b
0.91+0.04
a
0.05+0.00
b
Co 0.63+0.01
a
0.13+0.01
b
Nd 0.19+0.01
a
1.27+0.13
a
0.60+0.02
b
0.65+0.02
a
0.09+0.00
b
0.62+0.03
a
0.08+0.00
b
Ni 0.31+0.00
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.16+0.02
a
0.11+0.03
b
1.51+0.11
a
0.08+0.00
b
0.86+0.02
a
0.09+0.00
b
0.61+0.04
a
0.03+0.00
b
Hg 0.53+0.07
a
0.18+0.04
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.33+0.00
b
0.71+0.11
a
0.28+0.03
b
0.55+0.01
a
0.10+0.01
b
0.42+0.01
a
0.11+0.01
b
Mean in the same row, having different alphabets are statistically different (p < 0.05) using Least Significant Difference (LSD). Nd = Not detected

Table 6. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in leaf of Solanum macrocarpon (Leaf of egg plant)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.53+0.05
a
0.11+0.01
b
0.95+0.06
a
0.55+0.04
b
1.01+0.05
a
0.75+0.06
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
a
0.14+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
Zn 1.38+0.10
a
0.21+0.05
b
1.80+0.13
a
0.14+0.06
b
1.22+0.11
a
0.29+0.03
b
0.95+0.01
a
1.54+0.01
b
1.18+0.06
a
0.14+0.05
b
Mn 1.05+0.04
a
0.13+0.02
b
1.46+0.05
a
0.05+0.00
b
1.02+0.04
a
0.20+0.05
b
0.90+0.10
a
0.11+0.03
b
1.01+0.01
a
0.05+0.01
b
Cd 0.05+0.00
a
Nd 0.06+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.06+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.02+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
a
Pb 0.07+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
a
0.43+0.01
a
0.13+0.01
b
0.21+0.01
a
0.09+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
a
Fe 1.33+0.20
a
0.20+0.09
b
1.91+0.15
a
0.16+0.02
b
1.97+0.01
a
0. 20+0.00
b
0.16+0.02
a
0.16+0.01
a
0.73+0.02
a
0.09+0.00
b
Cr 0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.06+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
a
0. 05+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
a
Nd 0.05+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
Co 0.15+0.03
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.51+0.03
a
0.14+0.03
b
0.39+0.04
a
0.14+0.05
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
a
0.10+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
Ni 0.17+0.04
a
0.14+0.04
b
0.21+0.01
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.12+0.01
a
0.41+0.01
b
0.08+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
0.12+0.01
a
0.03+0.00
b
Hg 0.06+0.00
a
0.01+,0.00
b
0.20+0.02
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.37+0.02
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.21+0.02
a
0.03+0.00
b
Nd = Not detected
Table 7. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in fruit of Solanum macrocarpon (egg plant fruit)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.55+0.02
a
0.16+0.02
b
1.17+0.16
a
0.59+0.08
b
1.15+0.12
a
0.81+0.10
b
0.71+0.01
a
0.08+0.00
b
0.26+0.04
a
0.08+0.00
b

Table 7. Cont.
Zn 2.01+0.15
a
0.26+0.05
b
1.98+0.05
a
0.17+0.03
b
1.49+0.11
a
0.31+0.02
b
1.29+0.00
a
0.20+0.01
b
1.32+0.01
a
0.17+0.03
b
Mn 0.71+0.03
a
0.18+0.04
b
0.97+0.04
a
0.54+0.03
b
0.86+0.03
a
0.41+0.06
b
0.51+0.05
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.21+0.05
a
0.05+0.00
b
Cd 0.05+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.09+0.00
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.11+0.01
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.09+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
Nd
Pb 0.16+0.01
a
0.09+0.00
b
0.61+0.02
a
0.19+0.03
b
0.34+0.05
a
0.13+0.05
b
0.16+0.01
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
Fe 1.93+0.09
a
0.28+0.05
b
2.06+0.91
a
0.21+0.07
b
2.26+0.17
a
0. 34+0.08
b
1.35+0.08
a
0.21+0.05
b
1.03+0.21
a
0.20+0.04
b
Cr 0.05+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
a
0.12+0.01
a
0.08+0.00
b
0. 08+0.00
a
0.07+0.00
a
0.07+0.00
a
Nd 0.09+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
Co 0.22+0.02
a
0.10+0.02
b
0.57+0.01
a
0.13+0.01
b
0.44+0.01
a
0.16+0.02
b
0.10+0.02
a
0.06+0.00
b
0.11+0.01
a
0.16+0.01
b
Ni 0.19+0.01
a
0.18+0.03
a
0.36+0.04
a
0.11+0.01
b
0.26+0.03
a
0.43+0.02
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.29+0.03
a
0.05+0.00
b
Hg 0.10+0.05
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.14+0.01
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.14+0.01
a
0.10+0.00
b
0.08+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
Nd = Not detected
Table 8. Concentration (Mg/kg) of heavy metals in leaf of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin leaf)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.21+0.03
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.42+0.00
a
0.28+0.07
b
0.31+0.06
a
0.12+0.08
b
0.23+0.02
a
0.19+0.01
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
Zn 0.48+0.01
a
0.19+0.01
b
0.59+0.04
a
0.12+0.01
b
0.50+0.03
a
0.22+0.03
b
0.03+0.00
a
0.12+0.04
b
0.36+0.06
a
0.10+0.03
b
Mn 0.27+0.01
a
1.18+0.01
b
0.32+0.03
a
0.18+0.02
b
0.22+0.01
a
0.73+0.04
b
0. 15+0.05
a
0.28+0.03
b
0.13+0.01
a
0.09+0.00
b
Cd 0.05+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.79+0.04
a
0.49+0.03
b
0.64+0.05
a
0.42+0.01
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
Pb 0.24+0.01
a
0.14+0.00
b
1.24+0.32
a
1.55+0.14
b
1.06+0.13
a
0.76+0.08
a
0.10+0.01
a
0.41+0.00
b
0.14+0.04
a
0.08+0.01
b
Fe 0.88+0.10
a
0.41+0.06
b
0.63+0.10
a
0.33+0.04
b
1.03+0.22
a
0. 84+0.10
b
0.25+0.05
a
0.16+0.05
b
0.24+0.01
a
0.13+0.02
b

Table 7. Cont.
Cr 0.23+0.02
a
0.11+0.05
b
0.70+0.02
a
0.50+0.01
a
1. 07+0.05
a
0.92+0.06
b
0.61+0.10
a
0.47+0.06
b
0.19+0.04
a
0.08+0.00
b
Co 0.28+0.01
a
0.15+0.02
b
0.17+0.04
a
0.12+0.04
b
0.05+0.01
a
0.09+0.00
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.05+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
a
Ni 0.64+0.03
a
0.38+0.01
b
1.05+0.25
a
0.95+0.10
b
0.42+0.02
a
0.24+0.01
b
0.30+0.01
a
0.09+0.01
b
0. 40+0.03
a
0.10+0.01
a
Hg 0.16+0.05
a
0.07+0.00
b
0.21+0.02
a
0.08+0.01
b
0.16+0.01
a
0.12+0.01
b
0.11+0.02
a
0.10+.01
a
0.11+0.02
a
0.09+0.00
b
Nd = Not detected
Table 9. Concentrations (Mg/Kg) of heavy metals in the fruit of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin fruit)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.03+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
0.26+0.03
a
0.19+0.05
b
0.14+0.00
a
0.08+0.00
b
0.06+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
0.02+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
Zn 0.24+ 0.05
a
0.21+0.03
b
0.31+0.04
a
0.14+0.03
b
0.22+0.01
a
0.12+0.02
b
0.01+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.17+0.04
a
0.03+0.00
b
Mn 0.19+ 0.01
a
0.15+0.04
b
0.18+0.04
a
0.12+0.04
b
0.15+0.01
a
0.08+0.00
b
0.08+0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
Cd 0.02+ 0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.50+0.00
a
0.32+0.01
b
0.36+0.03
a
0.38+0.04
b
0.03+0.00 0.02+0.00
b
0.03+0.00
a
Nd
Pb 0.12+ 0.01
a
0.10+0.02
b
1.00+0.02
a
0.20+0.05
b
0.94+0.10
a
0.26+0.02
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
0.05+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
Fe 0.47+ 0.03
a
0.26+0.01
b
0.32+0.01
a
0.23+0.03
b
0.62+0.01
a
0.20+0.01
b
0.11+0.01
a
0.10+0.02
b
0.18+0.06
a
0.02+0.00
b
Cr 0.13+ 0.03
a
0.11+0.03
b
0.50+0.03
a
0.19+0.05
b
0.84+0.01
a
0.12+0.03
b
0.35+0.04
a
0.08+0.01
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
Co 0.09+ 0.00
a
0.04+0.00
b
0.07+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.02+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.05+0.00
a
Nd 0.01+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
Ni 0.45+ 0.02
a
0.33+0.00
b
0.95+0.00
a
0.42+0.06
b
0.21+0.06
a
0.37+0.04
b
0.10+0.01
a
0.10+0.01
b
0.01+0.00
a
0.03+0.00
b
Hg 0.08+ 0.00
a
0.05+0.00
b
0.04+0.00
a
0.01+0.00
b
0.03+0.00
a
0.02+0.00
b
0.02+0.00
a
Nd Nd 0.01+0.00
b
Nd = Not detected

State, Nigeria
Table 10. Transfer factor of heavy metals in Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato fruit)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.40 0.11 0.33 0.18 0.27 0.18 0.05 0.14 0.07 0.17
Zn 1.08 0.11 2.03 0.09 0.11 0.20 0.76 0.51 0.74 0.51
Mn 2.08 15.33 1.95 1.20 5.26 2.01 2.30 2.03 2.20 2.00
Cd 0.15 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.13 0.08 0.14 Nc
Pb 0.23 0.65 0.14 0.16 0.40 0.18 0.24 0.20 0.24 0.20
Fe 0.05 0.01 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.02
Cr 0.30 0.16 0.17 0.15 0.23 0.16 0.75 0.01 0.78 0.09
Co 0.13 0.05 0.75 0.29 0.97 0.26 0.38 Nc 0.44 0.19
Ni 0.05 0.05 0.08 0.07 0.19 0.08 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.11
Hg 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.03 Nc 0.12 Nc 0.45 Nc
Nc = Not calculated
Table 11. Transfer factor of heavy metals in Talinum triangulae (Water leaf)
HEAVY
METALS
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sample Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Cu 0.40 0.02 0.71 0.04 0.53 0.04 0.51 0.14 0.31 0.11
Zn 0.19 0.43 0.44 0.44 0.82 0.85 0.46 0.11 0.18 0.11
Mn 1.13 0.92 0.14 0.12 0.20 0.21 0.05 0.26 0.05 0.52
Cd 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.01 0.01 Nc 0.03 Nc Nc
Pb 0.20 0.90 0.28 0.23 0.65 0.22 0.08 0.19 0.01 0.20
Fe 0.02 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.05
Cr 0.16 0.21 0.15 0.03 0.19 0.06 0.05 1.29 0.07 0.73
Co 0.07 Nc 0.08 Nc 0.03 Nc 0.12 Nc 0.04 0.50
Ni 0.10 0.23 0.13 0.18 0.28 0.38 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.14
Hg 0.03 0.01 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.01 0.16
Nc = Not calculated
Vegetables are major component of diets and also
sources of income to most rural dwellers that practice
subsistence vegetable gardening. Similarly, other
peasants living in these metropolis depend on the freely
growing vegetables in these dumpsites for nutrients.
This could pose a health hazard since these vegetables
have been shown to be capable of accumulating heavy
metals. Intake of higher concentration of heavy metals
through these vegetables may evoke significant
biochemical changes in the biosystems. Manahan,
(2003) reported that metals such as iron, copper,
chromium, mercury, nickel, lead and cadmium have the
potential to produce reactive oxygen. This may result to
DNA damage, peroxidation, and alteration of calcium
homeostasis. Diseases such as cancers,
cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease
and memory loss could also result from the
consumption of vegetables polluted by these heavy
metals (Manahan, 2003). The results from the present
study showed that the levels of heavy metals were
within the WHO permissible range for consumption
except for Cd (1.42±0.08mg/kg) and Pb
(2.11±0.15mg/kg) in Amaranthus spinosus from
Osisioma dumpsite.
Transfer factor (tf) is the ratio of the concentration of
heavy metals in plants to the total concentration in the

State, Nigeria
Table 12. Transfer factor of heavy metals in Amaranthus spinosus (Spiny amaranth)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.47 0.13 0.03 0.13 0.52 0.15 0.40 1.81 0.25 0.22
Zn 0.45 0.26 0.04 0.25 0.40 0.24 0.42 0.20 0.44 0.25
Mn 0.76 4.42 0.10 0.55 0.74 0.60 0.78 0.55 0.76 0.56
Cd 0.46 0.13 Nc 0.20 0.44 0.18 0.70 0.13 0.42 Nc
Pb 0.81 2.13 0.17 0.48 0.81 0.52 1.21 0.49 0.69 0.50
Fe 0.20 0.07 0.01 0.05 0.30 0.07 0.25 0.06 0.24 0.35
Cr 0.41 0.42 0.02 0.08 0.70 0.10 Nc 0.79 0.71 0.45
Co 0.46 0.62 Nc 1.36 1.41 1.71 0.10 Nc 1.19 0.50
Ni 0.20 0.11 0.08 0.13 1.36 0.15 1.10 0.32 0.60 0.08
Hg 0.26 0.26 0.01 0.28 0.25 0.27 0.24 0.25 0.19 0.26
Nc = Not calculated
Table 13. Transfer factor of heavy metals in the leaf of Solanum macrocapon (Leaf of egg plant)
HEAVY
METAL
S
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Sample Contr
ol
Cu 0.25 0.23 0.25 0.23 0.24 0.23 0.11 0.23 0.2
4
0.22
Zn 0.26 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.24 0.25 0.31 2.52 0.2
6
0.23
Mn 0.77 1.08 0.50 0.02 0.45 0.12 0.46 0.18 0.5
8
0.20
Cd 0.10 Nc 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.0
1
Nc
Pb 0.07 0.16 0.12 0.05 0.12 0.05 0.08 0.04 0.0
1
0.05
Fe 0.12 0.04 0.18 0.03 0.11 0.02 0.20 0.04 0.1
5
0.03
Cr 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.01 Nc 0.0
4
0.18
Co 0.11 0.24 0.64 1.00 0.43 0. 40 0.31 Nc 0.1
9
0.13
Ni 0.11 0.25 0.10 0.08 0.11 0.79 0.10 0.07 0.1
2
0.08
Hg 0.03 0.01 0.05 0.06 0.13 0.06 0.09 0.13 0.0
9
0.07
Nc = Not calculated
soil. The tf for the same metal in the dumpsites differed,
from those of the control and types of vegetables.
However the rate of transfer of these metals from soil to
plants were found to be higher in some control
samples. For example Cu and Zn for Cucrbita pepo fruit
and Solanum lycopersicum fruit (Tables 10 and 16).
This was more pronounced for the seeds of these
plants. The observations made here indicate that
despite soil content of these heavy metals, some other
factors were contributory to their uptake by plants. A

State, Nigeria
Table 14. Transfer factor of heavy metals in the fruit of Solanum macrocapon (Egg plant fruit)
HEAVY
METAL
S
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contro
l
Sampl
e
Contr
ol
Cu 0.26 0.34 0.31 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.28 0.36 0.44 0.44
Zn 0.38 0.31 0.30 0.30 029 0.26 0.34 0.33 0.29 0.28
Mn 0.52 1.50 0.33 0.23 0.38 0.25 0.26 0.10 0.12 0.20
Cd 0.10 0.06 0.03 0.11 0.03 0.10 0.08 0.10 0.03 Nc
Pb 0.15 0.29 0.17 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.03 0.15
Fe 0.17 0.05 0.20 0.04 0.13 0.03 0.27 0.06 0.22 0.06
Cr 0.04 0.21 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.03 Nc 0.07 0.45
Co 0.16 0.48 0.71 0.93 0.49 0.46 0.15 Nc 0.21 1.00
Ni 0.12 0.32 0.17 0.13 0.23 0.83 0.13 0.18 0.98 0.14
Hg 0.05 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.10 0.04 0.13 0.02 0.12
Nc = Not calculated
Table 15. Transfer factor of heavy metals in the leaf of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin leaf )
plausible factor is the antagonistic effects of some
metals. It’s been reported that high levels of zinc in the
soil interfere with the ability of plants to absorb other
heavy metals such as iron and manganese (Emsley,
2001). The transfer ratios obtained here indicate the
potentials of solanum lycopersicum, Talinum triangulae,
Amaranthus spinosus, Solanum macrocarpon and
Cucurbita pepo to take up heavy metals from soil to
their edible parts.
CONCLUSION
The levels of heavy metals were higher in soils and
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.10 0.15 0.11 0.12 0.07 0.04 0.09 0.86 0.07 0.06
Zn 0.09 0.22 0.09 0.21 0.43 0.19 0.01 0.20 0.08 0.16
Mn 0.20 9.83 0.11 0.08 0.10 0.44 0.08 0.45 0.07 0.36
Cd 0.10 0.06 0.24 0.91 0.20 0.60 0.07 0.10 0.06 Nc
Pb 0.23 0.45 0.35 0.60 0.41 0.43 0.08 0.45 0.07 0.40
Fe 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.04
Cr 0.18 0.58 0.22 0.29 0.42 0.52 0.29 3.36 0.15 0.73
Co 0.21 0.71 0.21 0.86 0.06 0.26 0.10 Nc 1.92 0.19
Ni 0.41 0.68 0.05 1.08 0.38 0.46 0.38 0.32 0.39 0.27
Hg 0.08 0.10 0.05 0.07 0.06 0.96 0.05 0.25 0.05 0.21

State, Nigeria
Table 16. Transfer factor of heavy metals in the fruit of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin fruit)
HEAVY
METALS
Cu 0.01 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.03 0.30 0.02 0.09 0.03 0.06
Zn 0.05 0.25 0.05 0.25 0.19 0.10 Nc 0.02 0.04 0.05
Mn 0.14 1.25 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.05 0.04 0.06 0.02 0.04
Cd 0.04 0.02 0.15 0.59 0.11 0.54 0.03 0.05 0.03 Nc
Pb 0.11 0.32 0.28 0.08 0.36 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.15
Fe 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.01
Cr 0.10 0.58 0.15 0.11 0.33 0.07 0.16 0.57 0.03 0.18
Co 0.07 0.19 0.09 0.07 0.02 0.03 0.07 Nc 1.92 0.06
Ni 0.28 1.79 0.45 0.48 0.19 0.71 0.13 0.36 0.01 0.08
Hg 0.04 0.07 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 Nc Nc 0.02
Nc = Not calculated
Table 17. The mean concentrations (mg/kg)of heavy metals in
soils and vegetable samples from Aba and Umuahia metropolis
SOIL SAMPLES VEGETABLE SAMPLES
HEAVY METALS ABA UMUAHIA ABA UMUAHIA
Cu 3.38 1.59 0.89 0.37
Zn 5.70 4.18 2.13 1.27
Mn 2.18 1.85 1.62 1.03
Cd 2.34 1.17 0.25 0.14
Pb 2.41 1.57 0.67 0.31
Fe 12.94 4.94 1.26 0.88
Cr 2.34 1.72 0.42 0.37
Co 1.02 0.60 0.32 0.17
Ni 1.59 0.90 0.39 0.25
Hg 3.04 2.26 0.16 0.16
vegetables from dumpsites in Aba than those in
Umuahia. All the vegetables examined had the
potential to take up all the analyzed heavy metals to
their edible parts. However, the concentrations of heavy
metals absorbed by these vegetables were within the
FAO/WHO guidelines for metals in foods and
vegetables except for Cd (1.42±0.08mg/kg) and Pb
(2.11±0.15mg/kg) in Amaranthus spinosus from
Osisioma dumpsite. Consumption of these vegetables
as food may not pose immediate danger to humans but
prolonged consumption could lead to bioaccumulation
and adverse health implication especially for Cd, As, Pb
and Hg. It is therefore recommended that those wastes
that pose greater health hazards be properly recycled
in order to reduce environmental pollution and/or soil
degradation. Sorting of wastes at source and statutory
regulations of wastes managements should be
encouraged. Farmers should also be educated and
encouraged not to cultivate in farmlands around
dumpsites since such farms may be polluted by toxic
heavy metals.
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Accepted 27 August, 2015.
Citation: Chinyere GC, Madu FU (2015).
Physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal
constituents of five dumpsite soils and edible
vegetables grown in two major metropolis of Abia State,
Nigeria. International Research Journal of Biochemistry
and Biotechnology, 2(2): 014-027.
Copyright: © 2015 Chinyere and Madu. This is an
open-access article distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original author and source are
cited.

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