A Study on Single Extraction Technique of Some Selected Heavy Metals in the Soils of Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Toxicity of metals in the soils has been a great environmental menace for decades. Toxicity of ions in Abuja soils at soil depth of 15cm was  investigated using a single extraction analytical technique. Flame atomic absorption spectrometer was used for instrumental  analysis. Single extraction ionic mobility sequence in urban soil samples is as follows: Zn>Cu>Fe>Al>Mn>>As>Ni>Pb>Cd>Cr. Mobility sequence in sub-urban soils is Zn>Cu>Fe>Al>Mn>>As>Ni>Pb>Cd>Cr and the sequence in Asokoro Forest soils (control) is  Zn>Cu>Mn>Al>Fe>As>Ni>Cr>Cd>Pb. Zn ion has the highest mobility/bioavailability which indicates that Abuja metropolis could be sitting  on Zn deposits. High mobility of Zn portends danger to plants and environment, as Zn toxicity hinders photosynthesis in plants thereby  increasing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere which increases climate change subsequently. The study of metals toxicity in the  environment will assist environmentalists and government policy makers in making decisions on how to tackle this menace. Abuja  environment stakeholders should as a matter of urgency develop technical and legal frameworks to control the rise in metal build up in  the metropolis.