European Scientific Journal July 2014 edition vol.10, No.21 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 141 EXPLORING COPPER CONTENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF KUNDILA, NIGERIA Ahed J AlKhatib Jordan University of Science and technology, Jordan Murtala Muhammad A. J. Alhassan Ishaq.Y.Habib Sani Y. Bala Bayero University Kano, Nigeria Auwal Adamu Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria Abstract Copper is an important element in small quantities, and it is associated with adverse effects when its concentrations exceed normal limits. Its exploring in environment gives an idea about its disposition. The purpose of the present study was to explore the environment load of copper in soil, water, and vegetables at Kundila, Nigeria. To achieve study objective, water samples, soil samples, vegetable samples of lettuce, spinach, and onions were randomly taken. All samples were processed and prepared for assaying copper using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Study findings indicated that copper concentrations in soil and water were within reference range, but the three vegetables under study had high concentration of copper. Keywords: Kundila, Nigeria, heavy metals, copper, environment Introduction Copper is considered as one of the world's most widely used metals (Anon, 1996), and is regarded as a potential hazard (Anon, 2003). Other researchers indicated that copper is also an essential micronutrient required by all organisms (Avenant- Oldewage and Marx, 2000) and is rapidly accumulated by plants and animals (Anon, 1996). Copper is generally more soluble in acidic waters at pH values below 6.5. It is easily adsorbed and precipitated in sediments at alkaline pH. The copper concentrations in plants above 0.005–0.02 mg/g are regarded as poisonous (Jones and Belling, 1967).