Abstract: This study was undertaken to compare the effects of heavy metals accumulation on soils from Solid Waste Dumpsites (SWD) and Automobile Workshops (AMW) within Uyo metropolis. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to test the concentrations of mercury, Hg; zinc, Zn; copper, Cu; cadmium, Cd; lead, Pb, nickel, Ni; aluminium, Al; Arsenic, As; Manganese, Mn and Chromium, Cr in soils, while electrometric method was used to determine soil pH. Three representative samples were collected for each depth range (0-1.5m, 1.5-3m and 3-4.5m) from both sites. The mean concentration of heavy metals from AMW occurred in the order Zn>Cd>Mn>Pb>Ni>Fe>Cu>Al>Cr>As while for the SWD, Fe>Cd>Cu>Zn>Mn>Pb>As>Al>Ni>Cr. The mean concentrations of the major contaminants when compared to WHO standards (WHO: AMW, SWD) are Cd (0.0030mg/l: 0.1111mg, 0.2748mg/l), Pb (0.01mg/l: 0.0824mg/l, 0.1003mg/l) and Zn (0.1mg/l: 0.151mg/l, 0.1409mg/l). There were trace amounts of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Al at both sites whereas, excess As occurred at the SWD. AMW had average pH level of 4.18 and SWD, 7.36.
Keywords: Chemical and physical properties of soil, Heavy metals, environmental health, Solid wastes, Automobile wastes.
Title: Comparative Study of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soils of Solid Waste Dumpsites and Automobile Workshops in Uyo
Author: Christopher Afangideh, Inyeneobong Odiong, Imoh Udeme
International Journal of Engineering Research and Reviews
ISSN 2348-697X (Online)
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