Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil and Leachate Around Ungwan Doki Dumpsite, Plateau State Nigeria

Pollution assessment of some heavy metals in Ungwan Doki dumpsite of Plateau State Nigeria was investigated. Six (6) soils samples were collected from the sampling points and were homogenized, digested and analyzed for Mn, Cu, Cd, Fe and Pb using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for oxides elemental composition. The results revealed the pH range of (6.20 - 6.40) for dumpsite soils and control samples, bulk densities of (1.53 and1.58 g/cm3) and electrical conductivities of the soil samples were found to be (0.01 and 0.10 µs/cm). XRF results for elemental composition in soil around the dumpsite and control site (1.0-20940 ppm) and (1.0-28730 ppm); this also unveiled the presence of radionuclides such as, K-40, Cobalt and rubidium in the soil and plant sample (root, stem and leave). AAS result revealed the concentrations of heavy metals for leachates and control sample as (0.01±0.004 - 2.20±0.004 ppm) and (2.24±0.00 ppm) and that of analytical soil and control sample as (0.37±0.005 - 12.90±0.006 ppm) and (0.02±0.001-10.40±0.003 ppm). Contamination factor, geo-accumulation index was employed to assess the level of contamination. The values were found to range between (0.049 - 41.20) and (-0.661 - 2.107) respectively. This study also examines the potentials of sorghum-bicolor for phytoremediation of some heavy metals in the Ungwan Doki dumpsite Plateau State Nigeria. Bioconcentration factor (BCF >1) indicates metal accumulation by the plant and thus, the plant can be used for phytoremediation studies.