فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Improper waste management at dumpsites in Nigeria, driven by urbanization and population growth, has led to the accumulation of hazardous heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the environment. This contamination poses severe ecological and health risks due to heavy metals’ persistence, toxicity, and potential to enter the food chain. Dumpsites in areas like Umudike, Oboro, Ndoro, and Ariam are characterized by significant waste, with heavy metal concentrations often exceeding permissible limits.Methods: Soil samples were collected from depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm at dumpsites in Umudike, Ariam, Ndoro, and Oboro, with a control site located at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). The physicochemical properties of the soils, including pH and electrical conductivity, were assessed. Heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, and Ni) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses, A one-way ANOVA is used to determine the significant differences in concentrations across the study sites (p < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to determine significant differences and relationships between soil properties and heavy metal concentrations.Results: Heavy metal contamination was highest at the Umudike dumpsite, with cadmium concentrations ranging from 90.41-130.13 mg/kg compared to 0.00-1.01 mg/kg at the control site. Lead levels at dumpsites varied between 39.0 and 76.0 mg/kg, exceeding the WHO’s permissible limit of 15-25 mg/kg. Copper concentrations were highest in Ariam at 166.5 mg/kg, while the lowest value was 1.76 mg/kg at the control site. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) indicated that the Umudike site was moderately polluted, while other locations were unpolluted. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation between soil electrical conductivity and cadmium levels, suggesting significant anthropogenic influences on contamination.Conclusion: The study revealed that urbanization and inadequate waste management practices have significantly contributed to heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding dumpsites. The highest contamination levels were linked to cadmium and lead at the Umudike site, indicating a pressing need for remediation and stricter regulations. Implementing proper waste management systems, regular monitoring, and soil remediation measures are recommended to mitigate the ecological risks.