Articles >
DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN AGRICULTURAL SOILS OF THE RIVER BENUE FLOODPLAIN, ADAMAWA STATE, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Author(s): 2 3 4 Akwoga J.A, Gundiri J. W, Vahyala I. E., Zata A. I
Volume/Issue: Volume 6 , Issue 1(2026)
ABSTRACT:
This study investigated the influence of location and season on the concentrations of lead (Pb), chromium(Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in agricultural soils of the River Benue floodplain. Soilsamples were collected from upstream (Fufore), midstream (Jimeta), and downstream (Numan) locationsduring the rainy and dry seasons of 2022 and 2023. Heavy metal concentrations were determined usingatomic absorption spectrophotometry after nitric acid digestion. Results showed that Pb concentration (0.69mg/kg) did not vary with season or location, with a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05). The rainy seasonrecorded a mean Pb concentration of 0.54 mg/kg. Similar trends were observed for Cr, Cd, Ni, and Zn. Theconcentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds foragricultural soils. The order of metal abundance across all samples was Ni > Pb > Cr > Zn > Cd. Despitethese exceedances, all values remained below critical tolerance limits for soil contamination, suggesting noimmediate risk. The study highlights the need for regular monitoring and sustainable agricultural practices.
KEYWORDS:
Heavy metals, floodplain, location, season, River Benue, Nigeria
