Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Evidence of heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil in Ameri, Abakaliki Lead-Zinc mining area, Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria: An indication for phytoremediation

2^nd International Conference on Food Security and Sustainability

June 26-27, 2017 San Diego, USA

Aloh Obianuju G, Aloh Henry E and Chukwu Kelvin

Ebonyi State College of Education, Nigeria
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Mining industry, as with other extractive industries, is an economically viable enterprise in developing countries. There is an increased artisanal mining activity in Ameri, Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria. This study investigated the extent of heavy metals contermination/concentration in soil and plants in Ameri mining area. Translocation factor of four staple plants species were studied to ascertain their suitability for phytoremediation in Ameri mine site. The soil and plant parts (root and stem) were obtained from farms around the study area and from control site, 30 km away. Both were subjected to standard methods of chemical analysis. Results obtained showed that the mean concentration of Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn) and Chromium (Cr) were all significantly higher (P<0.05) in the mine sites when compared to the control sites. The total mean concentration of metals in different parts of Dioscorea rotundata, Ipomea batatas, Telfairia occidentalis and Chromolaena odorata plants were significantly higher compared to the control site. The translocation factor of the plant species were above threshold safe for consumption and up to acceptable level needed for phytoremediation. The toxicological implications of the study were discussed.

Biography :

Email: henryealoh@gmail.com