Gidan Madi Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Teacher Education (GMMJTE)
ISSN: 3092-8397

Vol. 2 Issue No. 3 July 2026 / Article

HEAVY METAL ANALYSIS OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA) AND WATERMELON (CITRULLUSLANATUS) FROM IRRIGATED SOIL IN SABON-BIRNI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF SOKOTO STATE

ALIYU, B.Y
Department of Chemistry Education, Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto State

KHALIL, I.A
Department of Chemistry Education, Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto State

SANUSI, A. M
Department of Chemistry Education, Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto State

Abstract
The study determined the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in irrigated-farm soils, onion (Allium cepa), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria. A descriptive laboratory analytical design was adopted, using eight single samples collected from two irrigated farms. The samples were digested and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cd was detected in all samples (0.0398–0.0538 mg/kg), while Cr occurred in seven samples (0.0107–0.2190 mg/kg). Cu was detected in all samples (0.1666–0.3543 mg/kg), Fe only in soil samples (15.7227–17.1710 mg/kg), Mn in all samples (0.16796.0386 mg/kg), and Zn in seven samples (0.0087–0.5867 mg/kg). The results showed variations in metal concentrations between the two farms and among soil and crop samples, with several metals occurring at higher concentrations in soils. The study concluded that the selected metals occurred at varying concentrations in the sampled irrigated agricultural environment. Regular monitoring of heavy metals in soils and crops and testing of irrigation water were recommended.

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Date Published

2026-08-14

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Vol. 2 Issue No. 3 July 2026 / Article

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Articles

Keywords


Heavy metal, irrigated agriculture, soil contamination, onion, watermelon