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Assessment of the Levels of Some Trace Metals in Soils and Roots of Cassava Grown Under Usage of Agrochemicals in Some Parts of Benue State, Nigeria

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, Makurdi, P.M.B. 102119, Makurdi, Benue State NIGERIA
  • 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State NIGERIA
  • 3Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Federal University, Wukari NIGERIA

Res.J.chem.sci., Volume 3, Issue (5), Pages 63-70, May,18 (2013)

Abstract

The indiscriminate usages of agrochemicals by rural farmers in crops cultivations as efforts are intensified to enhance food security present great environmental challenges. This study used some analytical methods to determine the levels of some trace metals in soils and roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown in selected farms in Otukpo, Ohimini and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Benue State, Nigeria. The cassava roots were harvested twelve months after planting (12 MAP) from six farmers’ fields and control farms cultivated in each of the L.G.A between June, 2008 and May, 2009. In the farmers’ fields, cassava roots content of the trace metals varied between 0.031±0.003µg/g Cr to 0.870±0.250µg/g Pb while the control cassava roots content ranged from 0.022±0.001µg/g Ni to 0.548±0.130µg/g Pb. The soil levels of the trace metals varied between 0.058±0.002µg/g Ni to 3.780±0.033µg/g Pb in the farmers’ fields and 0.040±0.005µg/g Ni to 2.520±0.330µg/g Pb in the control farms. These results were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the farmers’ fields and this suggests an anthropogenically induced source. However, the present levels of the soil and cassava roots content of the trace metals were below WHO/FAO’s reported human toxicity levels. However, it is important to carryout periodic review of the levels of the trace metals to monitor future accumulation in soil and cassava roots as a result of the continued usage of the agrochemicals.

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