July 2016 Vol.4 No.5

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Original Research Article

Analysis of Some Chemical Pollutants in Vegetable Samples from Sakwa, Thila and Marama in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

^*Usman Y. B., Kolo B. G., Yakubu J. and Usman B.

Department of Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s Email: yaksonelder@gmail.com

Accepted July 10, 2016

Abstract

This study is aimed at ascertaining the levels of pollutants in some selected vegetables samples from three agricultural areas in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno state, Nigeria. Vegetables samples from Sakwa, Thila and Marama agricultural Areas of Hawul Local government were collected and analysed for Zn, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe, Ag, Ni, Mn Cr and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric techniques. Results showed varying concentrations based on different parts of the vegetables from root, stem and leaves. High concentration of these metal pollutants were observed in the leaves of the vegetables samples as a result of transpiration process and with Fe having the highest value of 10.37±2.68 µg/g observed in the leaves of Okra Nitrate levels ranged from 11.23±6.72 to 19.66±8.20 (µg/g) in Okra; 1.17±1.04 to 2.52±1.40 (µg/g) in pepper; 2.37±1.35 to 4.03±1.11 (µg/g) in sorrel; sulphate ranged from 9.27±1.77 to 11.99±0.88 (µg/g) in Okra; 7.90±4.38 to 10.77±1.34 (µg/g) in sorrel and 6.54±0.71 to 11.76±2.45 (µg/g) in pepper. The concentrations of some cations analysed in vegetable samples revealed that calcium ion ranged from 11.23±6.72 to 19.66c±8.20 (µg/g) in Okra; 8.37±4.82 to 14.10±4.90 (µg/g) in sorrel; 2.03±1.34 to 3.33±2.52 (µg/g) in pepper while Sodium ion ranged from 3.90±0.86 to 13.16±1.67 (µg/g) in okra; 9.35±2.87 to 12.34±0.32 (µg/g) in sorrel; 2.62±3.42 to 11.94±1.41 (µg/g) in pepper and potassium ion ranged from 8.21±1.7 to 20.12±1.15 (µg/g) in okra; 8.37±4.82 to 14.10±4.90 (µg/g) in sorrel and 2.03±1.34 to 3.33±2.52 (µg/g) in pepper (p<0.05). High levels of Fe and other metals is said to be associated with the level of mechanical activities, high vehicle exhaust. The results indicate that some of the vegetables were contaminated with abnormal levels of Pb, Cr, Ag and Ni capable of causing health hazards to the consumers nationwide.

Keywords: Agrochemicals, Concentration, Heavy Metals, Pollutants, Pollution, Vegetables