HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOILS: A FOOD SECURITY RISK : A CASE OF MAIZE PRODUCTION IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils reduces its productivity and therefore there is need to adequately protect and restore soils in an ecosystem contaminated with heavy metals. This is done through characterization and remediation based on data that characterize chemical properties of the soil. One of the tools used to enable decision makers to manage sites with contaminants is risk assessment. This is a cost effective way of preserving ecosystem health.