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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Study of heavy metals presence in both Irish potatoes and soils collected from an abandoned mining site in plateau state
Authors
Egheneji Arhierobo Anthony
Abstract
This study assessed elemental concentrations
in Irish potatoes and soils from farmlands in the ex-mining area of
Dahwol-vwana village, Jos South L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria. Total heavy
metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Zn) in soil and potato samples were measured
using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Soil concentrations ranged: Pb
0.0445–3.9343 ppm, Cd 0.0086–0.1200 ppm, and Zn 0.0751–39.0302 ppm, higher than
control values (Pb 0.0088 ppm, Cd 0.0029 ppm, Zn 0.0101 ppm) but below
international limits (EU: Pb 300 ppm, Cd 3 ppm, Zn 300 ppm; USA: Pb 300 ppm, Cd
3 ppm, Zn 250 ppm; UK: Pb 70 ppm, Cd 1.4 ppm, Zn 200 ppm). Irish potato
concentrations ranged: Pb 0.0741–1.5042 ppm, Cd 0.0081–0.0931 ppm, Zn
0.1038–88.0503 ppm. A modified Tessier sequential extraction fractionated
metals into exchangeable/carbonate, Fe/Mn oxides, organic, and residual
fractions. Most metals were in the residual fraction (Zn 138.85 ppm, Pb 55.59
ppm, Cd 2.5 ppm), suggesting soils are largely unpolluted. Pollution indices showed
minimal contamination, with Cd enrichment factor 15.4 and I-geo 4. The
predominance of metals in the residual fraction indicates a lithogenic origin,
implying low risk of transfer to crops under normal farming. However, soil
disturbance, such as mining, could mobilize metals, contaminating soils and
water, enhancing plant uptake, and increasing biomagnification risk.
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Pages:102-108
How to cite this article:
Egheneji Arhierobo Anthony "Study of heavy metals presence in both Irish potatoes and soils collected from an abandoned mining site in plateau state". International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 102-108
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