Analytical Assessment of Trace Elements in Soils, Tomato Leaves and Fruits in the Vicinity of Paint Industry, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil, tomato leaves and fruits samples collected for the period covering May to October, 2011 in the vicinity of paint factory were analytically digested and analysed for trace elements such as lead, cooper, cadmium, nickel, zinc, chromium, manganese, arsenic, iron, selenium and cobalt respectively. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometer of model SP 1900 pye unicam. The results obtained revealed that all the aforementioned trace elements analysed were detected and metal concentrations were varied except cadmium, arsenic and selenium with constant value for all the months (0.01mg/kg). The mean concentrations of lead, copper, nickel, zinc, manganese and iron exceeded those of tomato leaves and fruits. The mean metal concentrations in the samples labeled SS1, TLS1 and TFS1 located at the paint factory spot were higher than those samples located 200 metres and before and after the factory spot. This study is an indicator to monitor lead in consumable vegetables around industrial locations in Nigeria.