CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOIL FROM THE VICINITY OF WASTE DUMPSITES IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

In this study heavy metals in soil from the vicinity of dumpsites in Gombe metropolis were determined. Twelve samples were collected from four different dumpsites located at the following areas in Gombe town: Pantami (P), Jekadafari (F), Madaki (D) and Malam inna (M) in Gombe metropolis at a distance 0f 50, 100 and 150m away from the sites and the Control sample was collected from Gombe State University. The samples were digested using perchloric acid, nitric acid and Sulphuric acid mixture in the ratio 1:5:1 and analyzed using atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The elements determined show the mean concentrations of heavy metals in the range of Fe: 6.923 to 40.00 ppm, Pb: 0.079 to 0.38 ppm, Cd: 0.274 to 4.444 ppm, Zn: 9.00 - 25.50 ppm and Cu: 1.481-5.926 ppm in the order Fe >Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb. All the metal studied indicated significant increases in the soil as one moves farther from dumpsite along Pantami, Jekadafari, Madaki, and Mallam Inna. The results of the study do not indicate any serious pollution or contamination risk.