HEAVY METAL STATUS OF SOILS IMPACTED WITH PALM OIL WASTES IN ABRAKA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4377Keywords:
Heavy Metal, Oil Palm Wastes, SustainabilityAbstract
Waste from palm oil processing mills cause enormous environmental pollution including soil and water pollution resulting in loss of plant diversity, soil acidfication which could be due to the metal contents of the wastes. It is against this background that the current study, heavy metal status of soils impacted with palm oil waste in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria was carried out.The study investigated the heavy metal concentrations in soils impacted by oil palm waste in Abraka, Delta state Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Two soil samples were analysed: one from bulked oil palm waste site and a control (normal soil). Results showed elevated levels of cadmium (0.239 mg/L), lead (0.900 mg/L), iron (0.168 mg/L), zinc (0.532 mg/L), and chromium (0.025 mg/L) in soils impacted with oil palm wastes when compared with the control (unpolluted) soil that has negligible cadmium (0.000 mg/L) and lower levels of lead (1.308 mg/L), iron (0.058 mg/L), zinc (0.229 mg/L), and chromium (0.015 mg/L) respectively. The values though, falls within WHO permissible limits showed significant heavy metal contamination linked to oil palm wastes, highlighting potential environmental and health risk to the rural populace. It is recommended that palm oil wastes should be well disposed to avoid a build up of heavy metals due to their persistence and no biodegradability in ecosystems. The current study has great implications on soil conservation and environmental sustainability.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Monday Winnie Udo, Wisdom Oghenevwogaga Egboduku, Blessing Diamond Okonigbo, Omamuyovwi Micheal, Israel Oladipupo Obogbayiro, Okeoghene Prudence Domma, Princess Ifechukwude Chukwuka, Oghenerioborue Mary Agbogidi
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