Abstract:
Studies on peri urban farming in Zambia have not adequately tackled the issues pertaining to heavy metal contaminated
wastewater irrigation farming. The study investigated heavy metal contamination of water, soils and crops at two peri
urban areas in Zambia. Two study sites were New Farm Extension in Mufulira Town in the Copperbelt Province and
Chilumba Gardens in Kafue Town in Lusaka Province. The heavy metals investigated were lead, copper, cobalt, nickel
and chromium. These heavy metals were found to be higher than acceptable limits in wastewater used to irrigate crops
and there are potential human health risks associated with consumption of heavy metal contaminated food crops which
have implications on the livelihoods of people. Samples of water, soil and crops were collected and analysed for lead
(Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The
data on heavy metals was analysed using mean, standard error and T-test. The results indicated that the levels of heavy
metals in wastewater, soil and food crops were above acceptable limits at two study sites. It can be concluded that there
was heavy metal contamination of wastewater, soil and food crops at the two peri-urban areas in Zambia. The study
highlighted the actual levels of heavy metal contaminant uptake in food crops consumed by the peri urban population.
The information from this study can be used by the relevant authorities to develop appropriate measures for monitoring
and control of heavy metal contamination in wastewater irrigation farming systems in peri urban areas in Zambia.
