Evaluation of soil pollution effects on maize (Zea mays) at selected Pb–Zn and limestone mine sites in Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria

• Published in: Environmental monitoring and assessment Vol. 196; no. 8; p. 768
• Main Authors: Umeobi, Egondu Charles, Azuka, Chukwuebuka Vincent, Ofem, Kokei Ikpi, Obite, Samuel Uchechukwu, Ezea, Chika Augustus, Abraham, Isong Isong, Alungbe, Moses Ede, Akubue, Jacinta Chinonso, John, Kingsley, Ezeaku, Peter Ikemefuna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Bioaccumulation; Calcium Carbonate; Copper; Corn; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Management; Environmental Monitoring; Iron; Lead; Lead - analysis; Limestone; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Mining; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Nigeria; Phosphorus; Physical properties; Pollution; Pollution control; Pollution effects; Pollution index; Potassium; Soil; Soil - chemistry; Soil analysis; Soil contamination; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil pollution; Soil properties; Transfer factor; Zea mays; Zinc; Zinc - analysis; Nigeria; Mining; Bioaccumulation; Soil pollution; Transfer coefficient; Potential toxic elements; Bioconcentration; Tropical rainforest
• ISSN: 0167-6369; 1573-2959; 1573-2959
• DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12868-9

This research examined soil contamination and the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by maize plants in mining communities. We collected 192 soil samples and 40 maize plant samples from two mining areas and a pristine site. We analyzed the physical properties and element content of the soil, including phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, Fe, Zn, Co, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni. We also measured the elemental concentrations in the maize plants. The study found higher levels of Zn, Cu, and Pb at the mining sites compared to the control areas. The pollution factor (CF) indicated pollution with Cu > Pb > and > Zn at both mine sites. The pollution index (PLI) showed no pollution in the Nkalagu mine and control sites, but heavy and moderate pollution at the Ameka mine and control sites, respectively. The Ameka mine site was enriched with Zn. The bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) was < 1 except for Zn at the Nkalagu mine and control site. The transfer factor for Fe and Zn from root to shoot was > 1. Pb was > 1 in all study areas except the Ameka mining areas. The results suggest remediation is needed for the two mine sites, especially at Ameka.