Spatial Modelling of Lead (Pb) Concentration for the Soil in Sokoto Rima Basin, Using Co-Kriging

Abstract

This study used Geostatistics techniques to find the variability in the concentration of lead (Pb) in Sokoto Rima Basin Region. The concentrations Lead (Pb) were measured and analyzed in one hundred and three (103) different sample points in Sokoto Rima Basin region of Nigeria. The region is characterized as one of the center for agricultural activities in Nigeria. The soil samples were collected from agricultural, industrial and residential areas. The concentrations of heavy Lead (Pb) were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The technique of Co-Kriging was used to develop empirical semivariogram model to predict the concentrations of Lead (Pb) in the soil. The result shows that concentrations of Lead (Pb) have exceeded the standard level in the study area. The study revealed that there are extreme concentrations of heavy metals in the central region of the study area.