THE ASSESSMENT OF SOILS, ROADSIDE SEDIMENTS, STREAM SEDIMENTS, AND GROUNDWATER SOURCES WITH REFERENCE TO HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN OTUKPO, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The quality of soil for agricultural practices and groundwater for drinking in the study area (Otukpo) is of concern considering its vulnerability to contamination by heavy metals. Our urban geochemical knowledge of the industrial activities in Otukpo area right up to the present day remains very scanty. Literature reviews show that past and current studies are rare: Hence, the need for research to fully quantify and compare the presence of potentially harmful elements (PHE) in urban soils, road-deposited sediments, and stream sediments of the study area by exploring the spatial and geochemical linkages. Thus, metal contamination of the urban environment can have long-term environmental and health implications. This research therefore, seeks to investigate the heavy metals concentrations in urban soil, road and stream sediments, and surface and groundwater in Otukpo area with a view to establishing the occurrence and distribution patterns of the selected heavy metals (Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Zn, Ag, Fe, V, Co, Hg and Ni) as well as the implications of variations in local geology. The application of a database is used to develop a framework for sustainable management of heavy metals in the soil, surface, and groundwater of the study area. Safe and unsafe areas were delineated for proper domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. The data provided by this study depicts the potential trend of heavy metals in the study area and will be used to develop appropriate management/mitigation measures.