This study reports on determination of concentrations of trace and toxic heavy metals in soil and
vegetables grown near of Manyoni uranium deposit. Soil and vegetable samples were collected
from five sites namely Mitoo Mbuga, farming area, Miyomboni, Tambukareli and near water
pump. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil and edible vegetables samples were analyzed
using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF).All vegetable samples were
found to have higher concentrations (in μg/g) of trace elements such as Ni (67.3) in pea leaves, Cu
(14.9) in pumpkin leaves, Fe (478.6), (200.5) and (337.1) in pea, pumpkin and spinach leaves
respectively, than the maximum tolerable limits recommended by WHO/FAO. Mean concentration
of Pb (1.6 μg/g) in pumpkin leaves collected from Miyomboni (area D) were observed to be higher
than the safe limit of (0.3μg/g) set by Codex 2006. Toxic elements concentrations (in μg/g) such as
Cd (10.4), Pb (23.2),Hg (4.1), Th (31.5) and U (23.9) were observed to be high in soil collected
from Mitoo Mbuga and farming area. Therefore, vegetables in the vicinity of Manyoni uranium
deposit can expose people to toxic elements which are detrimental to their health.A more detailed
study involving other foodstuffs is needed to establish conclusive results