Heavy Metals in Irrigated Crops along Tatsawarki River in Kano, Nigeria
Journal Title: International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER) - Year 2013, Vol 3, Issue 4
Abstract
Surface and ground irrigation water samples were collected from the three different farmlands along the Tatsawarki River. Control surface and ground water samples were collected from farmlands located away from away fromthe river. Samples of three crops (tomatoes, onions, and pepper) were collected from the three irrigated farmlands along the river banks. Each of the three crops was collected from each of the farmlands irrigated with surface water as well as from each of the farmlands irrigated with ground water. Sample crops were also collected from control farmland irrigated with fresh water. The analyses of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Zn, Co, Fe, Pb, and Mn) concentrations were carried out with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals in irrigation water was found to be higher than the FAO guideline values with the exception of Fe and Pb which were found to be below the FAO guideline values. All irrigation water samples were also found to have higher metals level in comparison with the levels found in control sample with the exception of Pb. The crops irrigated with the polluted irrigation water were found to be unfit for human consumption. The high concentration of these heavy metals in the irrigated crops was directly attributed to the metals in the irrigation water as the control crops sample shows low or no heavy metals concentration. It is recommended that the source of food and vegetables consumed in the area should be checked so as to avoid food and vegetables irrigated with polluted water. The consumers should also eat foods that are rich in antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, E, and beta carotene, since they depend against heavy metals in the food chain. The farmers should also be made aware of the dangers involved and encourage them to grow crops that are less susceptible to heavy metals uptake.
Authors and Affiliations
Bichi, M. H.
Keywords
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