The distribution of some heavy metals in soils in areas around the derelict enyigba mines and its environmental implication

This research establishes heavy metals pollution in soils in the areas around the derelict Enyigba Mines, including Enyigba, Ameka, and Ameri by consideration of metals distribution. Pb and Cd concentration in soils in the area are generally higher than the normal soil average of 35mg/ kg and 0.35mg/kg respectively and attain toxic levels in majority of the samples. Cu and Zn concentrations are generally below toxic levels but attain toxic levels in a number of samples from Ameka. Nickel concentrations in majority of the samples are above the average for normal soil but do not attain the level of toxicity. The high concentrations of the metals in the direction of N-E, NESW and NW-SE suggest that the metals distribution probably followed fracture trends in the area. These levels of concentrations of metals in the area may lead to lower agricultural production, low quality of food and may affect human health.