Lead-cadmium accumulation in agricultural soils and health implications

Abstract

Abstract The use of pesticides in farms has made agricultural soils often contaminated with heavy metals, excess of which the soils could pollute the environment and potentially damage human health through accumulation in the food chain. The geochemical compositions in agricultural soils from two commercial farms were analysed using ICP-MS. Trace elements are needed in minute quantities in soils but can be toxic to plants and humans with health implications at elevated rates. Soil samples from the study area were analysed and the result revealed that lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the study sites were within the FAO/WHO standard limits. The implications of elevated rates on crops and humans alike are highlighted in this paper.