Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in <i>Amaranthus sp.</i> L sold at vegetable farms in Katsina Metropolis

Abstract

The study was design to assess the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in spinach sold at vegetable farms at Katsina metropolis, using Atomic absorption spectrometer VPG 210 model for the metals analysis.The study reveals that cadmium has recorded highest concentration followed by chromium and zinc, at Kofar Marusasite, Cd 12.5±2.5mg/kg > Cr & Zn both had 4.7±0.62mg/kg, while Kofar Durbi site Zn 13.2±4.21mg/kg > Cd 12.5±2.5mg/kg > Cr 4.71 ± 0.62mg/kg. Similarly, at K/Sauri, study site, Zn had 13.2±4.21mg/kg > Cd 12.5± 2.5mg/kg > Cr 4.71±0.62mg/kg. However, concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of the study sites show Cr had high mean value of 10.19±0.41mg/kg > Zn 6.13± 0.87mg/kg > Cd 5.84±0.83mg/kg: Plant concentration factor (PCF) in the study ranges between 1.40-2.8Mg/l at K/marusa for Cd, Cr and Zn, K/Durbi 0.45-2.11 and K/Sauri with 0.3-4.0 respectively. Therefore, the study recommended that measures should be taken inorder to mitigate improper discharge of untreated wastewater by the neighboring factories which might be the potential source of contamination of soil and vegetable in the farms.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Heavy metals, Amaranthus sp. L, Katsian metropolis and Wastewater