ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION ASSOCIATED WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA), TARABA STATE

Abstract

This study examines heavy metal contamination associated with waste management practices in Jalingo Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Rapid urbanization and poor waste disposal have raised environmental and public health concerns due to heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and thallium (Tl). Soil samples were purposively collected from six riverside dumpsites at 0 m, 10 m, and 20 m distances. Digestion followed USEPA Method 3050B, and analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results revealed elevated heavy metal concentrations at 0 m, significantly exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Although levels declined with distance, Pb, Cd, and Hg remained above safe thresholds at 20 m. Seasonal trends showed higher concentrations during the dry season due to reduced water dilution. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in metal concentrations across sampling distances for all metals, confirming the spatial impact of dumpsite leachates. The chi-square analysis (19.683) further indicated a strong inverse relationship between distance and contamination levels. These findings indicate the need for improved waste regulation, public sensitization, and investment in sustainable waste management systems to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health in Jalingo and similar urban centers.