METAL CONCENTRATION IN SOILS, PONDS AND ASSOCIATED FOOD CROPS IN AZARA DERELICT BARYTE MINING AREA IN NIGERIA

Levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium, chromium, manganese and mercury were determined in soils, ponds and associated food crops using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer from Azara derelict baryte mining area in Nigeria. Most of the soil metals from up-and lowlands were more highly concentrated than the corresponding values in both the planted food crops and ponds thus showing evidence of bioaccumulation. The results further showed that the soils could not be said to be contaminated because metal content levels conformed to the world-wide background content of metals range in the soil. Iron, nickel, selenium and chromium, and some physico-chemical parameter levels in the ponds were above the permissible safe levels. Water from the ponds should not be used as source of potable water and other domestic purposes.