Evaluation of heavy metals concentrations in abandoned municipal waste dumpsites used for some arable crop production in Asaba Metropolis

Abstract

Abandoned municipal waste dumpsites can serve as important sources of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. This study assessed the concentrations of selected heavy metals in soils from four abandoned municipal waste dumpsites currently used for arable crop production in Asaba Metropolis, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 0–20 cm depth and analyzed for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry following standard procedures. Results revealed variations in heavy metal concentrations among the locations. Iron and manganese recorded the highest concentrations, while nickel occurred in relatively lower amounts. However, cadmium and lead at Location 1 exceeded recommended limits for agricultural soils. The findings indicate that prolonged waste deposition has contributed to metal accumulation in soils. Continuous monitoring and appropriate soil management strategies are necessary to prevent heavy metal transfer into crops and minimize environmental risks.

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