Comparative Study of Mineral and Phytochemical Analysis of Soil and Lactuca sativa Grown in the Vicinity of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (Sokoto Cement) and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (Kwalkwalawa)

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a major issue which confronts industry and business in today’s world on daily basis. Industrial activities are the leading cause of metals emission, often associated with soil and plant metal concentration in adjacent regions. Cement industry is one of the 17 most polluting industries listed by the central pollution control board (CPCB). Impact of dust deposition from Cement Company of Northern Nigeria on the proximate and phytochemical concentrations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was studied. A comparative study of heavy metal concentration and phytochemicals of Lactuca sativa and soil samples from Kalambaina (Industrial area) and Kwalkwalawa (non-Industrial area) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and standard analytical procedures respectively. Result of quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed significant difference (P<0.05) in all parameters. Heavy metal values of Pb(0.012±0.002 mg/g), Zn(0.043±0.003 mg/g), and Ca(706.860±14.980 mg/g) in Lactuca sativa collected from Kalambaina revealed significant difference (P<0.05) when compare to samples collected from Kwalkwalawa and WHO standard. In addition, the heavy metal concentration in soil collected from Kalambaina showed significant difference (P<0.05) when compare to samples collected from Kwalkwalawa; with the highest value recorded in Ca (974.25±48 mg/g) which might be as a result of activities in the cement industry. Conclusively, plants grown at cement industries might not be safe for consumption