Assessment of Trace Metals in the Leaves of Adansonia digitata and Eucalyptus globulus along Dutsinma Road in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State

Abstract

Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the burdens of seven trace metals, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe, were studied in the leaves of two tree plant species in the region of Batagarawa Local Government Area in Katsina State. The tree plants were Adansonia digitata (Baobab) and Eucalyptus globulus (Gum tree). The results showed the levels of metals (µgg^-1 per dry weight) in baobab leaves to be 46.00 (Mn), 23.50 (Zn), 2.00 (Pb), 12.50 (Cr), 12.00 (Co), 2.00 (Ni), 5.00 (Cu), and 82.50 (Fe) while  in gum tree leaves the metal concentration are as follows, 43.00 (Mn), 22.50 (Zn), 3.00 (Pb), 6.50(Cr), 16.00(Co), 2.00 (Ni), 2.50 (Cu) and 57.50 (Fe). Fe, Mn, and Zn were found to be highly concentrated in the leaves of both plant species, while Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Co were found to be moderately concentrated. The results showed that baobab leaves had a higher concentration of trace metals than gum tree leaves. The findings also revealed that the amounts of cobalt and lead recorded were higher than the WHO's maximum permissible limit, but the levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were lower. To verify the reported higher levels, a continuous environmental protection update could be used. This finding suggests that both plants' leaves could be used to monitor trace metal pollution.