IMPACTS ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL WASTES ON YOLA NORTH SOILS, ADAMAWA STATE

// is observed that soils around clinical wastes dump sides of Yola North show poor vegetative growth and when it rains, exhibit toxic leachates that tend to kill nearby vegetation. Thus portions (three sapling sides) of soil samples were collected for heavy metals (Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn)) laboratory analysis using digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS, VGP 2JO System). Results showed higher concentrations for Cr (145, 121 and 110 mg/kg), Pb (358, 327 and 316 mg/kg) and Zn (332, 326, 310 mg/kg), while lower concentrations for Cd (2.70, 2.00 and 1.50 mg/kg) and Cu (105, 85 and 71 mg/kg). Higher concentrations for Cr, Pb and Zn found could be attributed to improper disposal and burning of untreated clinical wastes practiced in the selected dumpsite. Lower concentrations for Cd and Cu found could increase with the continual disposal and improper treatments of such heavy metals (Cd and Cu). Accumulate concentrations of some of these heavy metals could lead to adverse health and environmental implications. To improve the study, it is recommended that analysis of groundwater, physiochemical parameters such as pH, BOD, nitrogen and organic matter, and crops such as cereals and vegetables around the selected dumpsite are require .