Physico-Chemical Properties And Heavy Metal Status Of Wetland Soils Supporting Rice Production In ,Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State :- Ekpenyong, Idongesit O
Abstract
The sustainability of
rice cultivation in wetland ecosystems is highly dependent on the
physico-chemical properties and heavy metal status of the supporting soils.
This study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics and concentrations
of selected heavy metals in wetland soils used for rice production in Ini Local
Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Composite soil samples were
collected from five major rice-producing sites within the area at a depth of
0–20 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The results revealed
that the soils were generally acidic with pH ranging from 4.7 to 5.6, and
exhibited moderate organic matter content (1.85–2.96%). Total nitrogen ranged
between 0.09–0.18%, available phosphorus from 6.2 to 12.7 mg/kg, and
exchangeable cations such as calcium (2.43–4.86 cmol/kg), magnesium (1.12–2.05
cmol/kg), potassium (0.18–0.37 cmol/kg), and sodium (0.14–0.31 cmol/kg) were
within moderate levels. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from 8.2 to
13.5 cmol/kg, suggesting moderate nutrient retention potential. Heavy metal
analysis indicated that concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium
(Cr), and zinc (Zn) in the soil samples were below the critical limits for
agricultural soils as defined by WHO/FAO standards. Mean values recorded were:
Pb (3.1 mg/kg), Cd (0.21 mg/kg), Cr (1.9 mg/kg), and Zn (12.4 mg/kg),
suggesting minimal contamination and low ecological risk. These findings
indicate that the wetland soils in Ini LGA are generally suitable for rice
cultivation with low risk of heavy metal toxicity. However, periodic monitoring
is recommended to ensure the long-term health of the soil and safety of the
rice produced.
Keywords: Wetland soils,
physico-chemical properties, heavy metals, rice production, Ini LGA, Akwa Ibom
State
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EKPENYONG, E (2025). Physico-Chemical Properties And Heavy Metal Status Of Wetland Soils Supporting Rice Production In ,Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State :- Ekpenyong, Idongesit O. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 25, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/physico-chemical-properties-and-heavy-metal-status-of-wetland-soils-supporting-rice-production-in-ini-local-government-area-akwa-ibom-state-ekpenyong-idongesit-o-7-2
EKPENYONG, EKPENYONG. "Physico-Chemical Properties And Heavy Metal Status Of Wetland Soils Supporting Rice Production In ,Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State :- Ekpenyong, Idongesit O" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 03 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/physico-chemical-properties-and-heavy-metal-status-of-wetland-soils-supporting-rice-production-in-ini-local-government-area-akwa-ibom-state-ekpenyong-idongesit-o-7-2. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
EKPENYONG, EKPENYONG. "Physico-Chemical Properties And Heavy Metal Status Of Wetland Soils Supporting Rice Production In ,Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State :- Ekpenyong, Idongesit O". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 03 Jul. 2025. Web. 25 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/physico-chemical-properties-and-heavy-metal-status-of-wetland-soils-supporting-rice-production-in-ini-local-government-area-akwa-ibom-state-ekpenyong-idongesit-o-7-2 >.
EKPENYONG, EKPENYONG. "Physico-Chemical Properties And Heavy Metal Status Of Wetland Soils Supporting Rice Production In ,Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State :- Ekpenyong, Idongesit O" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 25 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/physico-chemical-properties-and-heavy-metal-status-of-wetland-soils-supporting-rice-production-in-ini-local-government-area-akwa-ibom-state-ekpenyong-idongesit-o-7-2