Effect of Heavy Metals on the Environment in Enyigba Ikwo LGA Ebonyi

This study focused on the contamination of Agricultural lands by the selected heavy metals of lead, zinc, cadmium and iron as a result of the activities of the mine in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. During the period of this study, the area surrounding the mine pits (zero to forty meters) was sampled and the soils were sent to the laboratory for chemical analysis. The study covers two active mine pits; one abandoned mine pit, and an adjacent farmland that is two kilometers away from any mine pits, which were all similarly sampled. Parameters of test involved in this study include physical properties of the studied soil, its chemical properties, heavy metal contents (Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe), were also carried out. The studied soils were also used to grow Okra plants through a 12 weeks period in other to test the level of heavy metal uptake by the Okra grown in contaminated soils. Water, which had been collected and stagnated in the mines, was sampled and analyzed for quality parameters. Results showed high incidence of heavy metals in Enyigba. This research study would not achieve its aims if the findings did not form a basis for a concise social and agricultural policy change in Nigeria.