Assessment of Geo-Accumulation indices of Some Selected Heavy Metals Using AAS in Langtang North, Nigeria

Abstract

Samples of soil sediments of Bala, Gantang, Shi–for, Walang, Yangang Streets and Intorok street (control), Langtang North, Plateau State, Nigeria, were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for selected heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn). The results found in this study show that the Geo-accumulation index assessment ranged between 0.00 – 2.58 with Bala street having the least value, while Gantang street has the highest value this implies un-contamination to strongly contaminated. Contamination indices of the sediment samples indicated that Cr, Zn, As, and Pb were the greatest contaminants. It is therefore recommended that further research should be carried out to determine the concentrations of other heavy metals in the study area with different streets samples to ascertain the geo-accumulation index. Green plants should be used to remove environmental contaminants like heavy metals from soil especially in Bala Street which already has about 2.58 index. Area with low contamination like Bala and Intorok should also maintain status quo of good environmental preservation. Lastly, human activities such as agricultural activities should not be close to streets to prevent excessive buildup of heavy metals in plants or soil.