Browsing by Author "Grace Opeoluwa OJEKUNLE"

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    Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals on Soils and Crops of Agro-Industrial Cassava Production Area at Ido Local Government, Ibadan, Nigeria.
    (Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Grace Opeoluwa OJEKUNLE
    Nigeria's extensive agro-industrial processing of cassava, especially in Ido Local Government Area in Ibadan, has sparked environmental worries because it may contaminate crops and soil with dangerous chemicals like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study examines the concentrations, distribution, and possible health hazards of PAHs and specific heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni, and As) in soils and cassava roots that were taken from the study area's control sites and cassava processing zones. Ten samples were taken from processing and non-processing locations, five of which were soil samples and five of which were cassava plants. After being air-dried and sieved, soil samples were put through Soxhlet extraction to determine PAH levels and acid digestion to analyze metals. Standard extraction procedures were used to peel, dry in an oven, grind, and examine cassava roots. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to measure the amounts of heavy metals, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantify PAHs. To guarantee analytical reliability, quality control procedures were used, such as the use of blanks and replicates. When comparing processing locations to control sites, the results showed higher concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in the soils and cassava roots, with certain values surpassing international safety limits (e.g., WHO/FAO guidelines). Among the most prevalent PAHs found were benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene. Long-term exposure to tainted cassava products may provide both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic dangers, according to health risk assessments, especially for susceptible groups. According to the study's findings, Ido LGA's cassava agro-industrial operations greatly increase environmental pollution, which could endanger public health and food safety. To lessen the long-term effects of contamination in the area, it suggests more stringent control of waste disposal procedures, ongoing agricultural land monitoring, and public awareness initiatives. Keywords: PAHs, heavy metals, cassava, soil contamination, Ido, health risk, agro-industrial pollution Word count: 291