[01] Enenchi Marcel Igwenagu, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. [02] Okoye Patrice Anthony Chudi, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. [03] Ogbuagu Josephat Okey, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. [04] Ubaoji Kingsley Ikechukwu, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

The levels of thirteen metals; Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, As, Zn, Cu, Mo, Se and Hg in the leaves of five common plant species (Abelmoschus esculenta, Aspilia africana, Manihot esculenta, Panicum maximum and Zea mays), growing around the coal ash dump site at Oji, Enugu State were evaluated. The leaves were collected from the plants at the four cardinal points of the study area and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) Varian 240AA. The results showed that the concentration of the metals; Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, As, Mo and Se were above the USEPA set limits for the selected plant leaves, and varied with the following sequence; Ni (1.10±0.57to 7.05±12.86 mg/kg), Pb (6.45±5.75 to 9.25±5.43 mg/kg), Cd (1.13±0.34 to 5.23±6.55mg/kg), Co (0.05±0.10 to 1.55±1.84mg/kg), Cr (0.025±0.04 to 0.05±0.09mg/kg), As (4.13±6.54 to 22.53±30.69mg/kg), Mo (7.03±12.96 to 25.45±20.96 mg/kg), and Se (7.93±9.63 to 15.45±10.70 mg/kg). Also, the result showed that the metals concentration were higher in the study area than the control except iron (Fe). Considering the importance of plants in the food chain, we recommend for soil remediation if the study area must be used for farming or as grazing ground.

Heavy Metals, Plant Leaves, Soil Remediation, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

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