May 2013 Vol. 1 No. 3

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Full Length Research Paper

Levels of some agricultural pollutants in soil samples from Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

J. C. Akan, B. G. Kolo, B. S. Yikala and Z. M. Chellube

Department of Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: joechemakan@yahoo.com
Tel: +2348036000506

Accepted April 10, 2013
 

Abstract

Soil samples from four agricultural locations (Mirnga, Zira, Wangaga and Malang) in Biu Local Government Area were collected at three depths (0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm) for the determination of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, organic carbon, salinity, cation exchanged capacity, Ca, Na, K, heavy metals and anions using standard procedures. From the results of the study it was observed that the levels of pH and organic carbon influenced the solubility and mobility of heavy metals. Generally, the levels of heavy metals, anions, Ca, Na and K in the soil samples for the four agricultural locations increased significantly (p < 0.05) to a depth of 30 cm, while pH, Organic carbon, Conductivity, salinity, organic matter, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), decreased to a depth of 30 cm. The levels of all the metals in the soil samples were higher than those recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the WHO/EU joint limits for food production.

Keywords: Agriculture, Pollutants, Soil, Heavy Metals, Solubility, Mobility, Depth Profile.