Metallic (Zinc) Load of Plants Found Along Ungwan Doasa Stream, Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

The metallic (zinc) load of plants found along Ugwan Dosa stream, Kaduna Nigeria was investigated by using Atomic spectrophotometer (AAS). The plants investigated include Spinach, Mushroom, Potato, mango and cabbage. Results obtained revealed that the highest means concentration of Zinc was 0.91mgl obtained from Spinach in January, 2008 and the lowest mean value of zinc was 0.85mgl obtained from spinach in October 2007. The mean concentration from the two months showed that mushroom recorded the highest value of 0.82 while tomato recorded the least value of 0.20mgl 1. Although these values are below the human means permissible risk (MPR) value and below the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended threshold for crops (2.0mgl 1) there is need for proper Channeling and recycling of effluent to avert the danger that might arise from prolonged accumulation.

Keywords: Zinc, Ungwan Dosa Stream, Plants.