Determination of Trace Elements Concentration in Soil Samples of Fika Agrarian Community of Yobe State, Nigeria, Using MP-AES Analytical Technique

Abstract

This study investigated the trace elements concentration in soil samples of Fika agrarian community of Yobe state, Nigeria. Representative soil samples from ten locations were collected from cultivated farmland at a depth of 0 to 20 cm using soil auger in the study area using purposive sampling technique and global Positioning System (GPS) device was used to mark the sampling location and elevation above sea level. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn were determined using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) analytical technique. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the trace elements concentration. Mean, Standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC) were used to analyse the results.  Based on the analysis, the result revealed that the mean elemental concentration was of the order of Pb (81.585) > Fe (53.907) > Al (3.941) > Mn (2.311) > Zn (0.500) > Cr (0.151) > Co (0.002) > Cd (0.001) in ppm respectively. PPMC analysis showed a strong correlation between Zn and Pb. In comparison with others studies against USDE international benchmark we found that all elemental concentrations are below the International benchmark except Pb in the study area which was found to be above the international threshold value. This could be due to the gypsum mining activity being carried out in the study area. Based on the result, it has been concluded that the agrarian soil of Fika is uncontaminated and thus recommended for cereal growth.

Determination of Trace Elements Concentration in Soil Samples of Fika Agrarian Community of Yobe State, Nigeria, Using MP-AES Analytical Technique