Analysis of the distribution of heavy metals in the soils of Bagega mining area Zamfara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Uncontrolled exploitation and degradation in the environment over the past few decades as the result of urbanization and poverty has caused a serious damage to lives and properties. The study analysed the spatial distribution of heavy metal (Fe, Cu and Zn) in Bagega, Zamfara state. Three mapping units were identified and samples were collected from the top soil (0-15cm) horizon using stratified random sampling techniques. These include the Mining Processing Environment (MPE), Residential exterior (RE) and Surrounding Farmlands (SF). In each mapping units, twelve (12) samples were collected randomly. Coordinates of all samples points were recorded using GPS. The soil sample were analyse for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and the result were recorded in Microsoft excel and later transformed into GIS environment in the Arc GIS 10.1 version. Krigging model was used for mapping the spatial distribution of the heavy metals in the study area. The result shows that there are more concentrations of heavy metals (Fe and Cu) in the Residential exterior (RE) and streams sites. The level of heavy metal in the soils of the area were below the acceptable toxic level of and this can be attributed to the number of years quarry activities in the study area have been in operation. The study concluded that Fe and Zn are more concentrated to the mining and river sites areas, while Cu is highly concentrated at the farmlands areas. The study recommends for continuous monitoring and mining should be avoided especially closer to the residential areas.

A Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soil and Plantain (<i>Musa paradisiaca</i>) Leaves at an Artisanal Gold Mining Settlement in Southwestern Nigeria

“…[19] and will be released into the environment by anthropogenic activities such as mining. High value of heavy metal, particularly Cu, Fe and Zn found in the soil samples compares well with those reported in Bagana mining area, Zamfara state, Nigeria [20]. Similar study carried out in one of the studied areas also reported heavy pollution with these heavy metals [21].…”

Assessment of radiological risk from the soils of artisanal mining areas of Anka, North West Nigeria

“…A huge occurrence of about forty to fifty various types of untapped sub-terrain resources buried under the soil in Nigeria has been reported (Merem et al, 2017). Anka, is noted for crude mineral mining and processing by artisans alongside farming and cattle rearing (Salisu et al, 2016;Plumlee et al, 2013). Minerals, such as gold, copper, lead and zinc are mined and pre-processed in Anka and environs.…”

The Effects of Small-scale Stone Quarrying on Poverty Reduction among Youths in Zamfara State, Nigeria

“…In Zamfara State, small scale stone quarrying is one of the major industries that has played a key role in poverty reduction and development generally. Mining activities (small scale stone quarry) has a long history in the state dating to 1945 [16]. Over the years, the solid mineral sector in Zamfara State has grown significantly creating jobs for hundreds of people and generating revenue for the state.…”

“…This is evident in the report by the National Bureau of Statistics [17] that Zamfara State produced a total of 101,809.19 tons of solid minerals in 2016. According to Salifu, Yusuf, Ahmed, Mohammed and Umar [16], mining is one of the leading industries in the state that has contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the state.…”