DETERMINATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN DUMPSITE SOIL AND Abelmochus esculentus FRUIT GROWN NEAR DUMPSITES IN
CHAPTER ONE
1.0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Heavy Metal Pollution
Pollution is the cause of many diseases, which affect not only the old but also the young, the energetic likewise animals and plants (Kanmony, 2009). Pollution is a worldwide problem and its potential in influencing the health of human population is great (Khan and Ghouri, 2011). The impact of pollution on overcrowded cities as a result of industrial effluents and automobile discharge has reached a disturbing magnitude and is arousing public awareness (Begum et al., 2009). Excessive levels of pollution has caused a lot of damage to human and animal health, also to plants including the tropical rain forests as well as the wider environment (Khan and Ghouri, 2011). Pollution and subsequent contamination of the environment by toxic heavy metals are of great concern due to their sources, widespread distribution and multiple effect in the ecosystem.
Heavy metals are elements of high molecular masses, most of which belong to the transition elements (Silberberg, 2000). Studies have shown that soils of refuse dumpsite contain different kinds and concentrations of heavy metals (Odukoya etal., 2000). In recent times, it has been reported that these elements accumulate and persist in soils at an environmentally hazardous levels (Alloway, 1996) Heavy metal concentration in soil is associated with biological and geochemical cycles and are related to actions such as agricultural practices, industrial activities and waste disposal methods (Eja etal., 2003). The knowledge of heavy metal accumulation in soils, the origin of these metals and their possible interactions with soil properties are a priority in many environmental monitoring (Qishlaqi and Moore, 2007).
The most common environmental pollutants in the world are heavy metals (Papatilippaki etal., 2008). The accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is of increasing concern due to food safety issues and potential health risks, as well as its detrimental effects on soil ecosystems (Qishlaqi and Moore, 2007). The presence of heavy metals at trace level and essential elements at elevated concentration do cause toxic effects if exposed to human population (Fong et al., 2008).
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DETERMINATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN DUMPSITE SOIL AND Abelmochus esculentus FRUIT GROWN NEAR DUMPSITES IN
