Assessment of micronutrient and heavy metal contamination in soils near refuse dumpsites in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Godspower Oke Omokaro Institute of Engineering, Ecology, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
  • Ikioukenigha Michael Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Igbinedion University, Okada
  • Esther Ejiro Abamba Department of Sustainable Environmental Management, Plymouth University, Plymouth
  • Anthonia Bakare Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
  • Abi Obed Igbe Department of Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow
  • Emmanuel Ihotu Otokpa Department of Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow
  • Caleb Joseph Ofulue Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
  • Ogbonna Friday Okpro Faculty of Education (Chemistry), Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/20213

Keywords:

Heavy metal, Micronutrients, Soil properties, Dumpsite, Ughelli

Abstract

Soil quality plays a critical role in sustaining agro-ecosystems, particularly in areas adjacent to refuse dumpsites where contamination risks are high. This study investigates the levels of micronutrients and heavy metals in soils near a refuse dumpsite in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, comparing them to a control site with neutral soil. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures, including the Double Acid Extraction Method and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Results revealed that soils from the dumpsite exhibited lower levels of essential micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), while showing elevated levels of heavy metals like nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg) compared to the control site. The control site, by contrast, demonstrated better soil quality, with higher organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and a more neutral pH. The findings indicate significant soil degradation and potential environmental risks associated with refuse dumpsites, emphasizing the need for proper waste management and soil remediation strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity and environmental health in the region.

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Published

2024-10-22

How to Cite

Omokaro, G. O., Michael, I., Abamba, E. E., Bakare, A., Igbe, A. O., Otokpa, E. I., … Okpro, O. F. (2025). Assessment of micronutrient and heavy metal contamination in soils near refuse dumpsites in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria. EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, 65, 78–85. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2281-4485/20213

Issue

Vol. 65 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Godspower Oke Omokaro, Ikioukenigha Michael, Esther Ejiro Abamba, Anthonia Bakare, Abi Obed Igbe, Emmanuel Ihotu Otokpa, Caleb Joseph Ofulue, Ogbonna Friday Okoro

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