Abstract

Accumulation of selected trace elements on the surface and sub-soil of the Ife-Ijesa area of southwestern Nigeria was investigated. This was with a view to ascertaining the levels of these elements on some agricultural land that have been receiving chemical fertilizers and pesticides for high crop productivity in the study area. From the nine selected soil types, composite soil samples were taken to the depths 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm using simple random technique method. The soil samples were air-dried, crushed, sieved and digested using standard methods. The concentrations of the trace elements were thereafter read on atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Trace elements concentrations were higher in the surface than sub-surface soils. This may be attributed to the application of some fungicides and fertilizers for agricultural purposes in the area. High trace elements concentrations in Itagunmodi area when compared with other areas may be attributed to high clay mineral deposit in the area.

Key words: Trace elements, soil contamination, soil series, enrichment factor, Nigeria.