Ecological Health Risk Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Metals in Saline Soils Used for Table Salt Production in Awe Salt Mining Community of Nasarawa State

Jude Chinedu Onwuka; Daniel Apeh  Egyegbola; Bako  Danjuma; Amos Idzi  Ambo; Bilyamin  Ishaq; Enebi Estella  Jasper; Gladys Nkeiruka  Onwuka; Lucy Ooja  Agho; Adamu  Usman; Agu Matthew  Onyema

doi:10.62050/ljsir2026.v4n1.754

المؤلفون

Jude Chinedu Onwuka
emperor20062003@yahoo.com

Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2950-8273
Daniel Apeh Egyegbola
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Bako Danjuma
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Department of Basic Sciences, College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Amos Idzi Ambo
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Bilyamin Ishaq
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Enebi Estella Jasper
Department of Chemical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Gladys Nkeiruka Onwuka
Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota – Ogun State, Nigeria
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5018-5504
Lucy Ooja Agho
Department of Geology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Adamu Usman
Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Agu Matthew Onyema
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Array، Array، Array، Array، Array

الملخص

The assessment of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in saline soils used for table salt production is critically important because salinity can enhance the solubility and transport of metals in soils. This study assessed the concentrations, contamination and ecological risks of selected PTMs in saline soils used for table salt production in Awe Salt Mining Community, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for metal (Al, As, Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) concentration using Genius-IF energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. Enrichment factor (EF), geo–accumulation index (I_geo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (C_d), pollution load index (PLI) and ecological risk assessment (ERA) were evaluated using the measured concentrations of the PTMs. Result showed that Fe (37112.29±377.59–117044.29±993.20) was the most abundant metal. Elevated levels of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn in the investigated saline soils exceeding their respective average shale reference levels, were observed. EF values indicated that the investigated saline soils have very high enrichment of Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn. CF values showed that Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Mn are probably responsible for the high contamination. C_d and PLI revealed high degree of contamination for all investigated saline soils. The presence Co, Cu and Hg may probably be the key controlling factor causing the potential ecological risk. These findings have provided valuable information for effective environmental management strategies and policy to alleviate the influence of PTMs generated from table salt mining environment.

Dimensions

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