       Post Remediation Assessment of Contaminants Levels in Soil, Dareta Village, Zamfara, Nigeria * 1 Udiba U. U., 1 E. E. Ogabiela, 2 C. Hammuel, 3 A.M. Magomya, 2 Yebpella, G. G., 4 Ade-Ajayi A. F., 1 Odey M.O., 1 Gauje B. 1. Environmental Technology Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Nigeria 2. Organic Chemistry and Natural product Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Nigeria 3. Inorganic Chemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Nigeria 4. Polymer division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Nigeria udiba.udiba@yahoo.com Abstract Zamfara State, Nigeria has a lot of untapped mineral resources. The natives tap these minerals crudely with so many mining sites scattered all over the state. Dareta village is one of such mining fields. Recently, many deaths are being recorded in Anka, Bukkuyum and Maru LGAs of the state. These deaths are attributed to lead poisoning which necessitated immediate remediation by the Nigerian authorities with technical assistance from a coalition of international organizations. Levels of lead, cadmium and copper in soil were investigated in Dareta village, Anka LGA, after the remediation exercise. Lead ranged between 81.65 and 684.27 mg/kg dry weight, Cadmium between 0.02 and 1.88 mg/kg dry weight and Copper between 4.42 and 146.49 mg/kg dry weight. Although the contamination situation was less severe compared to the levels before the remediation exercise, findings from this study shows that Lead, Cadmium and Copper levels in soil are worrying. The need for further attention is obvious as the levels of these metals are sufficiently high to cause significant heath challenges. The implications of chronic exposure to these contaminants are also examined. Key words: Lead poisoning, remediation, contaminants, chronic exposure, heath challenges, Dareta village 1. Introduction Metals are natural components of the earth crust. All soils contain trace levels of these elements. Their presence in soils is therefore, not necessarily indicative of contamination. The concentration of metals in uncontaminated soil is primarily related to the geology of the parent material from which the soil was formed. However, human activities have been responsible for the wider diffusion of the elements. Soil contamination with heavy metals is an environmental problem on a global scale and is becoming increasingly important as industrialization, human population and consumption pattern increases [1]. In recent times, soils contaminated by metals from anthropogenic sources have received increasing attention [2]. Soil is one of the repositories for anthropogenic wastes. It is therefore not only a key nutrient bearing environment for plant life but also supplier of many pollutant. Research has shown that heavy metals are potentially toxic to crops, animals and humans when contaminated soils and water are used for crop production [3]. Heavy metal contamination in the soils is a major concern because of their toxicity and threat to human life and the environment. Science Road Publishing Corporation T     E  - TASE  -! "" Journal homepage: http://www.sciroad.com/ntase.html