Distributions of Cu, Ni And Cr Concentrations in Soil Around Tin Mine Located in Ririwai, Kano State, North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Mining and mineral processing in Nigeria provides economic benefits of wealth creation and employment opportunities. However the industry is associated a number of negative challenges among which is the health impact on miners and surrounding communities arising from mining processes. In this study Xrf analytical techniques was used to determined the concentration of Cu, Ni and Cr in soil around Ririwai Tin mine Kano state Nigeria. The results shows that the mean concentrations of Cu, Ni and Cr were 48.79 ±4.83mg/kg, 21.67±1.23mg/kg and 63.78 ±6.83mg/kg respectively. Cr have the highest concentration across all location followed by Cu while Ni have the lowest concentrations. The concentrations of Cr in the study area were lower than the worldwide range values in soil of 100-500 mg/kg reported by USEPA for Cr. The concentration of Ni is within the worldwide range of 1-50 mg/kg. Cu have very high concentration when compared with worldwide average value of 30mg/kg reported by USEPA. Suggesting that there is high deposits of Cu in the area. Therefore all means of ingesting soil by human and animal around the area should be avoided because of the elevated concentration and the toxicity of Cu which could course health hazards.