Evaluation of soil pollution effects on maize (Zea mays) at selected Pb–Zn and limestone mine sites in Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria

This research examined soil contamination and the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by maize plants in mining communities. We collected 192 soil samples and 40 maize plant samples from two mining areas and a pristine site. We analyzed the physical properties and element content of the soil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental monitoring and assessment 2024-08, Vol.196 (8), p.768, Article 768
Main Authors: Umeobi, Egondu Charles, Azuka, Chukwuebuka Vincent, Ofem, Kokei Ikpi, Obite, Samuel Uchechukwu, Ezea, Chika Augustus, Abraham, Isong Isong, Alungbe, Moses Ede, Akubue, Jacinta Chinonso, John, Kingsley, Ezeaku, Peter Ikemefuna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Bioaccumulation
Calcium Carbonate
Copper
Corn
Earth and Environmental Science
Ecology
Ecotoxicology
Environment
Environmental Management
Environmental Monitoring
Iron
Lead
Lead - analysis
Limestone
Metals, Heavy - analysis
Mining
Monitoring/Environmental Analysis
Nigeria
Phosphorus
Physical properties
Pollution
Pollution control
Pollution effects
Pollution index
Potassium
Soil
Soil - chemistry
Soil analysis
Soil contamination
Soil Pollutants - analysis
Soil pollution
Soil properties
Transfer factor
Zea mays
Zinc
Zinc - analysis
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Summary:This research examined soil contamination and the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by maize plants in mining communities. We collected 192 soil samples and 40 maize plant samples from two mining areas and a pristine site. We analyzed the physical properties and element content of the soil, including phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, Fe, Zn, Co, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni. We also measured the elemental concentrations in the maize plants. The study found higher levels of Zn, Cu, and Pb at the mining sites compared to the control areas. The pollution factor (CF) indicated pollution with Cu > Pb > and > Zn at both mine sites. The pollution index (PLI) showed no pollution in the Nkalagu mine and control sites, but heavy and moderate pollution at the Ameka mine and control sites, respectively. The Ameka mine site was enriched with Zn. The bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) was  1. Pb was > 1 in all study areas except the Ameka mining areas. The results suggest remediation is needed for the two mine sites, especially at Ameka.
ISSN:0167-6369
1573-2959
1573-2959
DOI:10.1007/s10661-024-12868-9