Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Levels in Soil and Plants from Dumpsites in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria

Leachate from uncontrolled dumpsites can contaminate groundwater with heavy metals, posing significant health risks. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, Fe, Cu) levels in soil and plants (Colocasia esculenta, Sorghum bicolor, Anthaenata villosa and Stachytarpheta sp.) from dumpsites in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria over a period of 12 months between May 2022 and May 2023. Bioaccumulation factors revealed that some plant species Stachytarpheta sp., with BAF values exceeding 1 for Cd and Cr, had the potential to accumulate these heavy metals. The results from this study for nitrate, sulphate, and phosphate in soil ranged from 0.62 – 2.29 mg/kg, 1.77 -5.73 mg/kg and 3.55 – 9.33 mg/kg respectively. Lead, iron, cadmium, manganese, chromium ranged from 0.24 - 2.76 mg/kg, 82.46 - 150.26 mg/kg, <0.01 - 3.83 mg/kg, 0.04 - 3.47 mg/kg, 0.25 – 3.86 mg/kg respectively and mercury was below detection limits in all soil samples. The acidic soil conditions and presence of heavy metals in both soil and plants underscore the need for effective waste management practices to mitigate environmental pollution and protect human health. This study underscores the urgent need for proper waste management practices to mitigate environmental pollution and protect public health in the region.