ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS FROM AN OPEN DUMP SITE AT AGBARHO, NIGER-DELTA, NIGERIA.
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the status of heavy metal contamination of soils from an open dump site at Agbarho community and its potential impact on environment and local community. Eight (among which one was a control sample) soil samples were collect at 10 meters intervals within the dump site.. The analysis for heavy metal concentration was conducted at the laboratory using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The result indicated that the mean concentration of manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) were 16.5, Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cd. Accordingly, the results shows that the study area is more contaminated by Lead and Zinc compared to other heavy metals analyzed while it showed no level of contamination by Cadmium. The results of the concentration of the heavy metals analyzed shows that the area is only mildly polluted by these heavy metals compared to background levels. Hence, Regular monitoring is recommended to maintain this quality and to detect any potential future changes in order to minimize future pollution problems.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.