Abstract

This study investigated the level of physiochemical and heavy metal properties of plants around the Gosa dump site with the aim of evaluating the level of conformity of the physiochemical and heavy metals properties in plants in and around the Gosa dumpsite to global and national permissible limits. Primary data source was adopted. The edible parts of plants grown around the dump site (Amaranthus, Solanum lycopersicum and Abelmoschus esculentus) were also obtained. All samples were analysed for physiochemical and heavy metal properties.  The results obtained were subjected to the FAO and NESREA limits for plant, while the water samples were compared with the WHO and NESREA limits respectively. The result showed among others that the average concentration of Cu (0.11±0.01 mg/kg; 0.34±0.01; 0.43±0.01), Fe (3.04±0.05 mg/kg; 2.25±0.02 mg/kg; 3.08 ±0.04) and Pb (0.02 ±0.01 mg/kg; 0.02±0.09 mg/k;0.01 ±0.05 mg/kg) in the Telfairia Occidentis (ugwu) leaves, Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra fruits samples were above the FAO limits for food crops, thus, indicating that plant grown around the Gosa dumpsite are not safe for consumption. The study concluded among others that; the presence of the Gosa dumpsite is contributing to the soil heavy metal pollution such as Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb against the NESREA and FAO limit. Surface water sources (stream) around the Gosa dumpsite showed elevated levels of pH, total hardness, K, which are attributable to the runoff of contaminated leachate water from the dumpsite, while the edible part of plant (Amaranthus, Solanum lycopersicum and Abelmoschus esculentus) grown around the dumpsite are not safe for consumption due to elevated levels of heavy metal (Cu, Fe, Pb and Mn) properties. The study recommends among others that; the respective authorities should as a matter of urgency establish a compartment section for leachate collection and recycling, and also create barriers like trenches, cut-off walls, or defences to avoid any leaks or spills of leachate from the Gosa dumpsite.

Key Words:  Physiochemical parameters, Heavy metal, Amaranthus, Solanum lycopersicum, Abelmoschus esculentus