Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health

Lar Uriah; Shettima Esther; Dibal Hassan

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health

Lar Uriah, Shettima Esther, Dibal Hassan

Published in American Journal of Environmental Protection (Volume 3, Issue 6-2)

Received: 29 September 2014 Accepted: 5 October 2014 Published: 25 December 2014

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Abstract

The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.

Published in	American Journal of Environmental Protection (Volume 3, Issue 6-2) This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Earth Materials, Diet, Water and Human Health
DOI	10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
Page(s)	70-76
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2014. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Heavy Metals, Urban Soils, Children’s Health, Vegetables, Jos Metropolis

References

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[2]	Wegelin, T. B. Jenka and Etter, R. (1995). Heavy metals in soils and plants ofallotment gardens in the city of Zurich (Switzerland). Soil Environ., 5(1): 269-270.
[3]	Lar , U.A., C.S. Ngozi- Chika, E.C. Ashano. Journal of African Earth Sciences (2013), Human exposure to lead and other potentially harmful elements associated with galena mining at New Zurak , central Nigeria.
[4]	Macleod et al (1971): The geology of the Jos Plateau. Geological Survey, Nigeria Bulletin No. 34 Vol 1
[5]	Berglung ; Impact of soil and dust Lead on children’s blood lead in contaminated areas of Sweden. Arch Environmental health, 2000 March-April;55(2) 93-7
[6]	Yeasmin, N.J., Ashraful, I. and Shawkat, A. (2013) Transfer of metals from soil to vegetables and possible health risk assessment SpringerPlus, 2:385
[7]	Micheal W., Ann A., David, B., Ronald, J., Julie S H and Alexa, B (1993): Lead- Contamination soil abatement and urban children’s blood lead levels.
[8]	Mielke, H.W Gonzales, C.R., Smith, M.K Mielke, P.W (1999): Soils as an integrator of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium in New Orleans. Environmental Research, Elsevier
[9]	Xiangdong Li, Chi-sum P, Pui Sum L, (2001): Heavy metal contamination of urban soils and street dusts in Hond Kong
[10]	Zimova M, Duris M, Spevackova V,Melicheroik J, Lepsi P (2001): Health risk of urban soils contamination by heavy metals
[11]	Onjanwa P.C, Fakayode S.O, (2003); Lead contamination of Top soils and Vegetation in the vicinity of a battery factory in Nigeria, vol 44,issue 2, pp150-157
[12]	Otitoju, O., Akpanabiatu, M.I. Otitoju, G.T. Nden, J.L., Nwah, A.F., Akanyung, E.O. and Ekanem, J.T. (2005): Heavy metal contamination of green leafy vegetables garden in Itam road construction site in Uyo , Nigeria.
[13]	Manjunatta et al, (2001). Geochemistry and Assessment of Metal Pollution in Soilsand River Components of a Monsoon Dominated Environment near Karwar, S.W. Coast of India. Environmental Geology, 40pp 1462 - 1470.
[14]	Tijjani .M.N, Kenneth .J, and Yoshinar. H (2004). Environmental Impact of HeavyMetals Distributions in Water and Sediments of Ogunpa River, Ibadan Area,South Western Nigeria. Journal of Mining and Geology, vol. 40(1).
[15]	Codex Allmentarius Commission (FAO/WHO, 2001)Food additives and contaminants-Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, ALINORM01/12A, pp. 1-289.
[16]	Lokeshewari, H., & Chandrappa, G.T. (2006). Heavy metals content in water hyacinth and sediment of Lalbagh Tanks, Bangalore, Indian Journal of Environmental Sciences Engineering, 48, 183-188
[17]	Centre for Disease control and Prevention, Canadian Health centre, 2004.

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APA Style

Lar Uriah, Shettima Esther, Dibal Hassan. (2014). Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 3(6-2), 70-76. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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ACS Style

Lar Uriah; Shettima Esther; Dibal Hassan. Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. Am. J. Environ. Prot. 2014, 3(6-2), 70-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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AMA Style

Lar Uriah, Shettima Esther, Dibal Hassan. Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. Am J Environ Prot. 2014;3(6-2):70-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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@article{10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20,
  author = {Lar Uriah and Shettima Esther and Dibal Hassan},
  title = {Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental Protection},
  volume = {3},
  number = {6-2},
  pages = {70-76},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  abstract = {The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.},
 year = {2014}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health
AU  - Lar Uriah
AU  - Shettima Esther
AU  - Dibal Hassan
Y1  - 2014/12/25
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
T2  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JF  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JO  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
SP  - 70
EP  - 76
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5699
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
AB  - The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.
VL  - 3
IS  - 6-2
ER  -

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Author Information

Lar Uriah

Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Shettima Esther

Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Dibal Hassan

Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

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APA Style

Lar Uriah, Shettima Esther, Dibal Hassan. (2014). Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 3(6-2), 70-76. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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ACS Style

Lar Uriah; Shettima Esther; Dibal Hassan. Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. Am. J. Environ. Prot. 2014, 3(6-2), 70-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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AMA Style

Lar Uriah, Shettima Esther, Dibal Hassan. Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health. Am J Environ Prot. 2014;3(6-2):70-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20

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@article{10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20,
  author = {Lar Uriah and Shettima Esther and Dibal Hassan},
  title = {Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental Protection},
  volume = {3},
  number = {6-2},
  pages = {70-76},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajep.s.2014030602.20},
  abstract = {The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.},
 year = {2014}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Heavy Metals in the Urban Soils and Vegetables in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on Children’s Health
AU  - Lar Uriah
AU  - Shettima Esther
AU  - Dibal Hassan
Y1  - 2014/12/25
PY  - 2014
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
T2  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JF  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JO  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
SP  - 70
EP  - 76
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5699
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.s.2014030602.20
AB  - The act of scavenging for food on harvested farms, metal substance in waste dumps and playing football games are common among children in the Jos metropolis, north central Nigeria. The aftermath of these activities (eating with unwashed hands, inhalation of dust during playing and transportation activities within the metropolis and consumption of vegetables may expose children to the constituent heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals in the urban soils and their levels in vegetables grown and consumed by residents of Jos Metropolis, with the view to drawing inferences on probable health implications on children who are the vulnerable group in the society. An assessment of the level of contamination or accumulation of the heavy metals in the soils was carried out using an index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetables and its health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Geochemical results obtained from the analysis soil samples (from the playgrounds, stream sediments, farm soils and soil dump) and vegetables samples show that the soils in the playground are generally enriched in Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (10.99 and 10.21 wt% respectively). The heavy metals content of the soils are elevated (Co, Cr, Pb and Zn; 146, 66, 268 and 219 ppm respectively). Most of the heavy metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the playgrounds display Igeo <1 suggesting that the playgrounds are safe and pose no risk to the health of children who play on it. All the variety of vegetables display different metal absorption capabilities with Cu being the highest (TF = 3 – 6).The intake of Zn and Pb into these vegetables are minimal. The calculated HRI for Pb, Zn and Cu are <1 suggesting that the consumption of these vegetables is safe and pose no potential human health risks.
VL  - 3
IS  - 6-2
ER  -

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