A Preliminary Assessment of Heavy Metals in Top Soils around Wurukum Abattoir, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

The study sought to determine the level of heavy metals in soil around Wurukum-abattoir in Makurdi Local Government area of Benue State where high level of indiscriminate disposal of animal waste has been a concern. Soil samples around the Abattoir in Makurdi Metropolitan area of Benue State were collected and analyzed to assess heavy metal levels using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Some of the physicochemical analysis of the soil samples showed a basic pH which ranged from 8.20-8.79 and low organic carbon content in the range of 0.01 to 1.97 %. The particle size analysis gave the following results, 23-62 % sand, 21-57 % clay and 17-23 % silt. The concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals in the soil samples were found to be in the following range Cd, 2.98-5.65, Fe, 14.3-36, Ni 67.1-83.9 and Pb 0.4-32.6. The results indicated that despite the increased human activity around the environment, the level of heavy metals were generally low when compared with some guideline values and their typical/common ranges/values in soils. . It is expected that relevant agencies would map out strategies and formulate laws that would deter users of the abattoir from indiscriminate disposal of these waste around the environment in order to avoid future accumulation.