Appraisal of lead (Pb) contamination and potential exposure risk associated with agricultural soils and some cultivated plants in gold mines

Abstract Background Artisanal gold mining has been one of the major contributors to soil pollution. These types have potential environmental implications and varying degrees health risk due agricultural product cultivation. The contamination level Pb in soils under cultivation by maize spinach from mines Abare, Dareta Bagega Anka local government Zamfara state was examined. Three levels depths (0–21, 21–40 41–60 cm) study sites were considered for vertical distributions Pb. samples digested analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian model-AA240FS). Results total concentration ranges 326.2 383.43 (Abare), 67.74–76.44 (Bagega) 17.88–42.00 mg/kg (Dareta), which are all within protection agency (EPA) 400 permissible limits, while only those Abare above 85 department petroleum resources Nigeria (DPR) threshold. From result, grown areas exceeded FAO/WHO 0.3 Conclusion Additionally, revealed highest concentrations at a 0–20 cm depth. This further indicates these safety limits based on single pollution index (SPI) Nemerow composite (NCPI). information will significantly help provide greater insight into developing more effective remediation strategies affected localities. More research is needed speciation, chemical forms, bioavailability, biogeochemical mechanisms that influence mobility areas.