Evaluating baseline data for trace elements, pH, organic matter content, and bulk density in agricultural soils in Nigeria

Agricultural soil samples were collected about 1 km apart over 21 km from 32 tilled/cultivated plots of yam, rice, and cassava in urban, rural, and the derelict Enyibga lead-zinc mine (EM) in the Abakaliki area, Nigeria during the rainy season in September, 1992. In the derelict mine, mean elemental contents increased in the order Cd < Ni < Cu < Mn < Pb < Zn; while in the urban, rural, and all soils combined, the order increased as follows: Cd < Cu < Ni < Pb < Zn < Mn. The overall mean distribution of all soils shows Mn and Zn to approach and exceed toxic levels, respectively. In all soils, the total mean concentrations of Cu and Ni are well below toxic levels. The Abakaliki area is less likely to be subjected to Cd-contaminated soils. Pb was excessively high at EM and, moderately high at Mgbowo Street in the urban area, but very less so in the rural areas. The rural agricultural areas of Agbaja, Nkwaegu, and Amaegu, including the isolated Ezza Road as well as the peripheral Expressway had relatively lower levels of heavy metals, pH and organic matter content than the urban conglomeration of Mile 50, Mgbowo Street, and Azuiyiokwu including the derelict mining village of Enyigba and EM; except that Ezza Road had pH and organic matter as high as the densely populated urban cultivated areas. The relationship between bulk density and organic matter was highly dependent on pH.