Geo-Accumulation Index Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil Samples from Mayo-Sinna, Sardauna LGA, Central Taraba State, Nigeria

Soil contamination by heavy metals presents a persistent threat to environmental quality and human health, particularly in agriculturally active and ecologically sensitive regions. This study applies the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) to evaluate the extent of heavy metal pollution in surface soils collected from Mayo-Sinna, located in Sardauna Local Government Area, Central Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of nine metals including Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), and Iron (Fe) were quantified using standard analytical techniques. The Igeo classification revealed that seven of the nine metals fall within Class 0 (Igeo ≤ 0), indicating an uncontaminated status. Lead (Pb) exhibited a mild enrichment, classified as Class 1 (uncontaminated to moderately contaminated), while Iron (Fe) was classified as Class 2, indicating moderate contamination. The elevated Fe level suggests possible lithogenic or localized anthropogenic sources. These findings highlight the generally low levels of heavy metal pollution in the region but underscore the need for periodic monitoring to preempt environmental degradation and safeguard agricultural productivity.