ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS ON DUMPSITE IN NGOMARI AND BAGA ROAD IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Heavy metal contamination of soils around municipal dumpsites poses serious environmental and public health concerns, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. This study assessed the concentration, contamination status, and potential health risks of selected heavy metals—Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb)—in soils collected from major dumpsites within Maiduguri Metropolis. Surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from selected dumpsites and a control site. The samples were air-dried, sieved, acid-digested, and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) at the Central Laboratory, BUK. The results revealed that Cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0038 mg/L, Chromium ranged from 0.0037 to 0.0227 mg/L, and Lead ranged from 0.0218 to 0.0672 mg/L. Lead recorded the highest concentration among the three metals analyzed. Contamination Factor (CF) analysis indicated low to moderate contamination in some dumpsites, particularly for Pb. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values showed localized pollution in certain sites, while others remained within baseline levels. A simplified non-carcinogenic health risk assessment using Hazard Quotient (HQ) indicated that all HQ values were less than 1, suggesting low immediate health risk; however, long-term accumulation and continuous exposure may pose future environmental and public health challenges. The study concludes that although heavy metal concentrations are generally within acceptable limits, there is evidence of anthropogenic enrichment in some dumpsites, especially for Lead. Continuous monitoring, proper waste segregation, and improved waste management practices are recommended to prevent future environmental degradation and health risks. Keywords: Heavy metals, Dumpsite soil, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Contamination Factor, Pollution Load Index, Maiduguri.