Determination of selected heavy metals in agricultural soils in Bungoma and Kakamega Counties, Western Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the level of heavy metals in agricultural soils in Bungoma and Kakamega counties, Western Kenya. Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn) were determined during the months of November 2010 (wet season) and February 2011 (dry season). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for analysis of the samples after wet digestion and preparation of appropriate calibration standards. 11% of the soils reported to be polluted with lead, while 97% were polluted with cadmium. Soils were found to have optimum to low levels of copper and zinc. A positive correlation of wet and dry seasons was reported.