Assessment of some Selected Heavy Metals Content of Soil, Water, Plants and Fish from Igbeti Dam Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals are potential environmental contaminants that can cause health problems if present in excess in 
the food we eat. This study investigates the level of concentrations of nine heavy metals (Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Pb, Cr, and Cd) in water, soil, plant, and fish samples collected from Igbeti Dam in Oyo State, Nigeria. Using a combination of chemical treatments and filtration, the heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and compared with the World Health Organization's (WHO) maximum tolerable limits. The results revealed that while concentrations of Ni, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu in the samples were within acceptable limits, significant concerns were identified with Cr, Pb, and Cu levels. Notably, cobalt concentrations exceeded WHO standards across all sample types, while lead and chromium were also found in excess in the plant and fish samples, with fish(0.179mg/kg) exceeding the standard (0.001mg/kg), Lead levels were highest in plant (0.968mg/kg) as against the standard (0.1mg/kg). Chromium also exceeded its limits in soil (0.099mg/kg) as against the standard (0.05mg/kg). These high levels of Pb, Cr and Co suggest potential risks for human and environmental health