Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Cassava Tubers Grown around Two Major Cement Factories in Ogun State, Nigeria
Makanjuola1, Olakunle Moses1
Citation : Makanjuola, Olakunle Moses, Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Cassava Tubers Grown around Two Major Cement Factories in Ogun State, Nigeria International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences 2016,4(11) : 26-29.
Unlike organic wastes, heavy metals are non-biodegradable and can be accumulated in living tissues, causing various diseases and disorders. The cement plants found in strategic areas of human habitat consistently emit toxic dust and gases over large areas through wind and rain which are largely accumulated in soils, plants and river bodies. This research study investigates the presence of heavy metals in cassava tubers grown around two major cement factories in Ogun state, south west, Nigeria. The findings revealed the presence of heavy metals like lead, calcium, zinc, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, potassium, manganese and chromium in their vary levels of toxicity, well above the stipulated limits set by food and agricultural organization and world health organization, hence the inhabitants where these cement facilities are located are vulnerable to health related diseases associated with heavy metals.