Comparative Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal Uptake, and Health Risk Associated with Sorghum Cultivated under Inorganic Fertilizer and Animal Manure Amendments in Kano State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
Sorghum, Heavy Metals, Soil Physicochemical Properties, Environmental Toxicology, Hazard QuotientAbstract
The use of inorganic fertilizers and animal manure can affect soil quality and may lead to high levels of heavy metals in crops. The effects of inorganic fertilizer and animal manure amendments on the physicochemical properties of the soil and heavy metal uptake in sorghum grown in Faragai town, Albasu Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, were investigated in this study. Samples of the soil and sorghum grain were taken from the inorganic fertilizer, manure-amended, and control farms. The soil physicochemical parameters were measured, and the concentrations of the heavy metals: lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, and chromium, were determined by dry ashing digestion using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) in the sorghum grains. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) models were used to assess the possible health risks of sorghum consumption. The results showed that the soils treated with inorganic fertilizers had lower pH and higher electrical conductivity, Nitrogen content, and organic matter than manure and control soils. Sorghum grains cultivated on fertilizer-treated farms recorded higher concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr. Lead concentrations in sorghum grains from inorganic fertilizer and manure-amended farms slightly exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limit for cereals. The Hazard Quotient values of all the examined metals were below the threshold value of 1.0, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers. The study demonstrates that agricultural practices influence soil characteristics and heavy metal uptake in sorghum. Continuous environmental monitoring and sustainable strategies are therefore recommended to minimize food safety and environmental health risks.
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