Yakubu H. Ngadda1, Aliyu Adamu2 and Hassan Samaila3
Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: aliyuphysics@unimaid.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010090
ABSTRACT
In this study, 31 soil samples from specific areas were examined for the levels of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) and the dangers associated with them. The average values of Cd, Cr, and Pb were 0.033 mg/kg, 7.86 mg/kg, and 3.32 mg/kg, respectively. Individual samples did, however, show noticeably higher amounts of Cd (0.227 mg/kg in SL17), Cr (25.19 mg/kg in SL08), and Pb (15.73 mg/kg in SL10), suggesting localized pollution most likely caused by human activities such industrial discharge, inadequate waste management, and the use of agrochemicals. Although mean concentrations were generally low, health risk screening indicated potential non-carcinogenic concern for Cr in localized hotspots. Several indices were used to evaluate the degree of contamination and the health concerns. Most soils were categorized as unpolluted by the Geoaccumulation Index ( ), which ranged from -1.750 to 0.297 for Cd, -2.155 to -0.729 for Cr, and -1.948 to -0.280 for Pb. Significant anthropogenic enrichment was suggested by samples with elevated values, such as SL07 and SL14. The Improved Nemerow Index (IIN) revealed predominantly low-level heavy-metal pollution (1.028–1.942) across all sampling sites, with only a few locations exhibiting slightly elevated integrated contamination. Critical hotspots with multi-element contamination burdens, such as SL14, SL07, SL30, and SL31, were identified by additional analysis employing Pollution Load Index (Pₗ), Potential Ecological Risk Index ( ), and Contamination Degree Factor ( ). These results highlight the necessity of deliberate cleanup, localized risk assessment, and focused environmental monitoring. To reduce long-term ecological and public health effects, a complete management strategy that includes risk communication, pollution source identification, and regulatory enforcement is necessary.
Keywords:
Flood-affected soils,
Human health risk,
Scrap metal,
Kidney disease,
Heavy Metals.
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