ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION (Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd) AND PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) IN FISH, SOIL AND VEGETABLES IN CRITICAL AREAS WITH AN INCREASING RATE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES (CKD) IN YOBE STATE

Musa Ibrahim Katuzu and Ibrahim Babale Gashua

ABSTRACT

Heavy metals and PFAS are known to have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. The presence of these contaminants in soil, vegetables and fish can occur due to industrial activities, agricultural practices and improper waste disposal. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the fish, vegetables and soil quality in these wards to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for the residents. The work was aims to determine the levels of heavy metals and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish, Vegetables and soil samples collected from six selected wards in Bade and Jakusko Local Government Area Yobe State Nigeria. The wards under investigation include Dagona, Usur Dawayo, Katuzu, Katamma, Gwayo and Dachia. The elemental parameters, Chromiun, Cobalt, Nikel, cadmium, Arsenic and Lead were examined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for PFAS concentrations The concentration of heavy metals in soil from the study area show that Cobalt and Cadnium have higher concentration above the standard as given by the international bodies. The concentration Cobalt were, Gwayo 6.74±0.40, Katuzu, 11.20±0.70, Usur 12.30±0.70, Dachia 12.45±0.70 and katamma 14.01±0.80. However, for Cadnium concentration were 4.95±0.30, 7.41±0.50, 8.11±0.50, 8.81±0.50, 9.48±0.60, 5.19±0.30 in all the study area. The result obtained for the heavy metals in vegetable, shows the concentration of   Chromium (Cr), Nikel (Ni), Arsenic (As) and (Lead Pb) are within the limit, Cadnium (Cd) and Cobalt (Co), have high concentration levels of heavy metals in vegetable.  For the analysis of PFAS, only perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in three soil samples Usur 0.11µg/kg, Dachia 0.17µg/kg and katamma 0.30µg/kg while the other perfluoroalkyl substances were absent. Heavy metals and perfluoroalkyl substances were known to cause many diseases, and are poisonous even at low concentrations, Regular monitoring and assessment of fish, vegetable and soil quality should be conducted to track any changes in heavy metal and PFAS concentrations over time. This will facilitate early detection of contamination and enable prompt remedial actions if necessary.

Keywords: Heavy Metals, Concentration, Perfluoroalkyl, Monitoring, Chronic, Exposure.