TRACKING LEAD (Pb) IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF JAKARA, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Lead is considered a toxic substance that is already available in environment and has health impacts. The objective of the present study is to track the availability of lead in the environment of Jakara, Kano State, Nigeria. Lead was tracked in water, soil, and vegetables including lettuce, spinach, and onion. Study methodology involved taking random samples from water, soil, and vegetables at Jakara. Samples were prepared and assayed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Study findings showed that the mean concentration of lead in water was 0.115±0.023 mg/l, while it was in soil 2.46 ±0.95 μg/g. The mean concentration of lead in both lettuce and spinach was the same (22.95+ 3.28 mg/kg), and in onion was 19.67 ±3.28 mg/kg . Conclusions: the present study showed that there is a lead contamination of Jakara region by heavy metal (lead). This contamination is evident in water, soil, and vegetables.