ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN LAKE ALAU (A CASE STUDY OF ALAU ) IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE

This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, lead and cadmium) in farm soils within Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, focusing on their environmental and public health implications. With increasing industrialization and agricultural activities, the accumulation of heavy metals in soils poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Soil is a vital natural resource that supports various ecosystems, including agricultural systems. However, the increasing industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices have led to the accumulation of heavy metals in farm soils, posing significant environmental and public health concerns. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As), can persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and potentially cause adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem Using a systematic random sampling method, soil samples were collected from various locations. The results showed substantial variation in heavy metal levels, with arsenic exhibiting the highest concentrations across all sites, followed by chromium, lead, and cadmium. Pollution indices (PI) and hazard quotients (HQ) indicated that arsenic posed the greatest environmental and health risks, especially in areas with high concentrations. The study also calculated the daily intake of metals (DIM) and estimated daily intake (EDI) to assess potential health risks from soil contamination, with arsenic showing the highest risk for cancer. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and mitigating arsenic contamination, as it represents the most pressing threat to both environmental and public health. The study recommends the establishment of a local database on heavy metal concentrations, the development of targeted soil remediation strategies, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices to reduce further contamination in the region. The study concluded that, further research is necessary to explore the bioavailability and mobility of these metals in the soil, their uptake by plants, and their potential effects on both soil health and food security in the region.