SPREAD AND BIO AVAILABILITY OF HEAVY METALS IN TOPSOIL AND GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEAL) IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED AREA OF DELTA STATE

Ogboi, E

Department of Agricultural Technology

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

E-mail: Ogboied@gmail.com.

ABSTRACT

A green house study was carried out to examine the spread and bioavailability of heavy metals in topsoil and ground-nut (Arachis hypogeal) at various distance from the site of crude oil pollution in Uzere community, Delta State. The heavy metals considered in the study were Nikel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and Lead (pb). It was observed that these heavy metals were more concentrated at distance closer to the point of pollution. More so, iron and cadmium concentrations have contaminated the topsoil as stipulated by United Nation Environmental protection (UNEP). In addition, the heavy metals studied have higher concentration in the root than in stem of groundnut. The concentration of cadmium and lead in both the root and stem of groundnut have exceeded the permissible level for human and animal consumption as recommended by FAO and WHO. Therefore, the polluted environment should be treated

Keyword: Spread, bioavailability, heavy metals, groundnut, green house.