Journal Article

1.Determination of Selected Metal Concentrations in Arable Soil Samples of Lapai Using Thermal Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

Ibrahim, A.A., Oladipo, M.A.O., Abdulkarim, A. and Ibrahim, U.F.

Abstract

Soil is an important and abundant natural resource; it is also an important aspect of the environment as it serves as a sink for by-products of natural and anthropogenic processes. Plants obtain essential nutrients for growth from soil, other chemically similar elements that exist in soil compete for uptake by plant. Thus, these toxic substances accumulate in plants and transfer along food chain. Analysis of soil from selected locations of arable soil of Lapai was carried out using thermal neutrons activation analysis technique (TNAA) produced from Nigeria Research Reactor -1 (NIRR-1) operated at a power of 31kW and a neuron flux of 2.50 x 1011 cm-2s-1. Seven soil samples were collected from three sites, four elements were determined in all the samples collected. The elements determined were chromium, iron, cobalt and arsenic. The concentrations of all elements found were within permissible limit for agricultural activities.

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