Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria: The Physicochemical Status, Heavy Metal Content, and Possible Ecological Risk of Irrigated Peri-Urban Gardens
Author : Hosein Kamani
Abstract :
Using common analytical techniques, the physicochemical characteristics and a few chosen heavy metals of thirteen peri-urban garden soils in Ilorin, Kwara State, were examined, as well as the irrigation water. Analysis of the gardens' irrigation water and soils was done to look into any possible ecological risks. The findings demonstrated that, with the exception of turbidity (88.67 mg/l), which was greater than the advised standard limit, the examined physicochemical parameters for agricultural soils and water were within the WHO standard limits. Both seasons' worth of irrigation water samples contained lead and/or cadmium contamination, and the soils indicated possible high cadmium buildup. The eating of crops irrigated with water from these sources may provide a health risk, as suggested by this. Significant variations in the parameters across seasons and among sites were found, at p<0.05, according to analyses of the study's data. Overall, it was found that metals in soils across locations presented low to moderate potential ecological concerns. Significant variances and non-uniform distribution were observed in the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal contents of the soils and irrigation water used in the gardens across different sites and seasons.
Keywords :
Heavy metals, potential ecological risk, soils, irrigation water, peri-urban gardens, and physical variables
