Evaluation of Some Heavy Metals in Wetland Soil and Vegetable Sorrel (hibiscus Sabdariffa (l.) Cultivated in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State

This research aims at assessing the level of some heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Pb) contamination in wetland soil and vegetable sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) cultivated in Mubi North Local Government Area and to ascertain the danger it may pose to human health from the consumption of the Vegetable. Soil and Vegetable (H. sabdariffa) samples were collected from six locations, (Digil, Muchalla, Mayo-bani, Betso, Muva and Gada) prepared using double acid extraction method and analyzed using Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration of heavy metals in wetland soil of the study area ranged from 5.138 to 8.160 mg/kg for Cu, 0.198 to 1.232 mg/kg for Ni and 0.153 to 0.457 mg/kg for Pb while the concentrations of heavy metals in vegetable (H. sabdariffa) ranged between 0.577 to 2.046 mg/kg for Cu, 0.000 to 0.015 mg/kg for Ni and 0.013 to 0.044 mg/kg for Pb. The mean heavy metals concentration obtained both for soil and vegetable in the six locations in Mubi North Local Government Area were below the permissible or recommended limits presented by the WHO/FAO (2007) Standard. The limits imply that vegetable H. sabdariffa is safe for consumption. Copper, Nickel and Lead are below the critical range and will have no negative effect on soil, plant and environment.