Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Risk Associated with Quarrying Activities in Marksino Concession Area, Akamkpa (Published)
This study evaluates the environmental risks of quarrying activities in the Marksino Concession area, Akampka, with a focus on heavy metal contamination of the soil. Soil samples were collected at various distances from the quarry site and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS; PG990) to determine concentrations of lead, chromium, copper, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, and zinc. Pollution indices and ecological risk factors were calculated, along with hazard quotients and indices for non-carcinogenic impacts on children and adults. Results indicate that contamination values for all metals were below one, suggesting no significant impact at the sampling points. The geo-accumulation index values also indicated no significant impact for all metals. Furthermore, hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for all metals were below the permissible value of 1, indicating non-carcinogenic risks for residents. However, children showed higher HI values compared to adults, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to protect this vulnerable group. Continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts are crucial for sustainable quarrying activities and prevention of environmental hazards in the Marksino Concession area.
Keywords: Contamination, Environment, Heavy Metals, Natural, plastic
An appraisal of Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil and Selected Subterranean Animals in Olusosun Landfill, Ojota, Lagos State (Published)
As a result of the global industrial activities, contamination of the ecosystem by heavy metals has given rise to one of the most important ecological and organismic challenges. An experimental study was performed to ascertain the levels of heavy metals in soil and selected subterranean animals in dumpsites in Lagos State. One (1) kg each of four composite soil samples at a depth of 0 -15cm from the soil surface within the landfill were collected using an auger. The level of parameters such as soil pH, temperature and soil moisture content were determined. Earthworm, Maggot and Spider from each sampled soil were washed in distill water to remove soil particles. The heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb) were then analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The result of the study showed that Pb and Cd had higher mean concentration (0.75mg/kg and 0.1mg/kg respectively) for the landfill soil sample compared to the control soil sample and subterranean animals. The result also showed that Maggot and Earthworm had higher means concentration of Zn (0.31mg/kg and 0.14mg/kg respectively) compared to the soil samples (landfill and control) and spider. The result was not statistically significant comparing the mean concentration of heavy metals on the landfill soil and the subterranean animals. Chromium (Cr) was not detected in the study. The study concluded that there is high anthropogenic influence and persistence of the heavy metals which accumulated in the environment and pose serious ecological and health challenges.
Citation: Iheanacho, J.N., Ejike-Okongwu, C., Idowu, S.A., Kabantiyok, D., Mkpuma, N.N, & Bala, N.M. (2022) An appraisal of Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil and Selected Subterranean Animals in Olusosun Landfill, Ojota, Lagos State, International Journal of Environment and Pollution Research, Vol.10, No.1 pp.20-27
Keywords: Heavy Metals, Lagos, Landfill, Soil, animals, subterranean
Determination of the Presence and Level of Heavy Metals in Soils of Automobile Workshops in Awka, Anambra State (Published)
This study determined the presence and levels of heavy metals in automobile workshop soils in Awka Anambra state. Soil samples were collected from four automobile workshops. The soil samples were analysed for heavy metal contents; Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), and Iron (Fe). The soil samples were digested and the filtrate subjected to quantitative analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). One-way Anova, and one sample t-test, were used to test the hypotheses postulated. The results indicated the presence of all the metals under consideration in the soil samples. The concentrations of the metals in the soils of the automobile workshops were compared with NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency) standard and the result showed that Cu in sample A was greater than the standard while others were below it; Cr in sample D was lower than the standard while others were above it; metal contents of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni in all samples were below the standard while Fe and Mn limits were not specified by NESREA. The study concluded that the activities of automobile workshops contaminate soil with heavy metals which automatically have direct and indirect effect man as it can be transported through the food chain. It is hence recommended that: regulatory bodies be set up to monitor the activities of automobile workshops and policies be enacted whereby automobile workshops should be located very far from residential areas. Further research should be carried out to ascertain the effects of those heavy metals on plants, groundwater, and human health.
Keywords: Automobile, Heavy Metals, Plants, presence and level, soils
Study on Heavy Metals Levels and Some Physicochemical Parameters of a Polluted Creek along the Tin Can Island In Lagos (Published)
The study was carried out to assess the level of selected metals and physico-chemical parameters of a polluted creek along the Tin Can Island in Lagos. Metals such as Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, and Cr were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Correlations analysis was conducted to determine the spatial distribution of the metals. From the results, it was evident that accumulation of heavy metals was within the internationally acceptable standards as reported by WHO and EPA. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between the physicochemical parameter across the different stations and months. Although conductivity (11060.5±6.4), TDS (2328.33±3.04) and BOD (107±52.0) were higher than the recommended limit of these metals by WHO which could be attributed to large amount of deposited and sewage floating at the banks of the creek. However, if these levels are not checked, they may increase the potential of bioaccumulation in the aquatic organisms and inhabitants that depends on the creek for survival. Therefore, there is need for policies to conduct regular monitoring of this creek to avoid future deterioration of the creek.
Keywords: Heavy Metals, Tincan island and creek., physicochemical parameters
Seasonal Chemical Speciation and Potential Mobility of Heavy Metals in the Surface Soil of some Poultry Farm Establishments of Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria (Published)
This work examined the presence, availableness and mobility of metals in chosen poultry farm soils areas samples from Osun State. Metals in the stratified soil samples taken in both seasons were in sequence extracted into five phases and content of the extracted metals was conducted utilizing Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Quality control measures involved blank test, spike recovery test and calibration of standards. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for data analyses The range of metals extracted from each of the five soil geochemical phases in mean percentages for both seasons are in this manner: carbonate bound (0.84-19.94), exchangeable (8.43-18.84), Fe-Mn oxide (13.95-21.18), organic matter (21.43-34.14) and residual (15.45-41.48). Potential metals in the examined soils (mgkg-1) varies between 3.56-1181.62, 0.05-2.98, 10.72-75.06, 40.38-640.52, 3.32-96.69 and 9.80-219.12 for arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc, while mean % mobility factors of all the metals in both seasons examined were ranged between 30.54-33.04, 33.29-34.49, 37.11-38.74, 15.37-17.58, 35.02-35.31 and 24.48-27.02 for As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn. In the poultry agro-ecological agriculture, values of metals in available forms do not vary statistically in both seasons. Nevertheless, bulk of the sampled metals have high abundance in residual and organic matter phases and for this reason, may not present ecological threat inasmuch as their overall fairly minor availableness and MFs of the metals in the examined soil.
Keywords: Heavy Metals, fractionation, mobility factor, poultry farmland, speciation
Assessment of Copper and Zinc contamination through vehicular emission on vegetables growing near road side (Published)
Vegetables are important sources of many nutrient, including vitamins, dietary fibre, folate (folic acid), and minerals and have beneficial antioxidative effects. Heavy metals like Cu and Zn can easily enter in our body through consumption of vegetables contaminated with such metals. The toxic levels of the Zinc and Copper in leafy vegetables growing near road side fields were highly dependent on vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. Industrial emissions and the frequency of brake use and vehicles coming to a complete stop were additional factors that affected the contamination levels of Zn and Cu in leafy vegetables. The concrete highway also had higher contamination levels of such heavy metals than the asphalt highway. Vehicle speed was also a Major factor contributing to the contamination of higher level of Cu and Zn in road side vegetation of heavy traffic areas. The significant level of Cu in vegetables growing in road sides areas may be due to high rate of brake abrasion from the vehicles and the levels of zinc in vegetables is due to tyre abrasion from vehicles as zinc oxide is used as a vulcanizing agent in making tyre rubber. The main aim of this review article is to determine the level of Cu and Zn in leafy vegetables collected from road side (heavy traffic) areas.
Keywords: Copper, Heavy Metals, Vegetables, Zinc
Levels of Some Heavy Metals in Tissues of Crustaceans (Callinectes Amnicola and Macrobrachium Vollenhovenii) From a Tropical Ecosystem in Nigeria (Published)
Levels of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury were assessed in tissues of Callinectes amnicola and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii sampled for twelve months from the Cross River Estuary, Nigeria with the aim of evaluating their potential ecological risk. Results of analysis with Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometry showed that for C. amnicola, Pb ranged from 0.02-0.19µg/g, Cd 0.01-0.049µg/g and Hg 0.01-0.071µg/g; for M. vollenhovenii, Pb ranged from 0.019-0.098µg/g, Cd 0.0085-0.04µg/g and Hg 0.01-0.058µg/g. Paired t-test showed no significant seasonal disparity (P>0.05) for both crustaceans. Observed linear relationships were expressed as y = 0.4825x 0.0137, y = 0.5661x+0.0053 and y = 0.6111x+0.0059 for Pb, Cd and Hg respectively. Also, the correlation coefficient of Pb (r= 0.87), Cd (r=0.78) and Hg (r=0.803) showed significant concentration relationship between the two studied crustaceans. Although the results of this study show minimal toxicity of shellfish in Cross River estuary, continuous surveillance and assessment were recommended for sustainable ecosystem management.
Keywords: Heavy Metals, crustaceans, tropical ecosystem
Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination of Surface Water and Sediment of a Tropical Manmade Lake Southwestern Nigeria (Published)
Developing countries including Nigeria are faced with increase generation of domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastes that enter into the surrounding water bodies; and pollutants settle on the sediment (the ultimate sink of contaminant in aquatic environment). These large amount of chemical substances (including heavy metals) released into aquatic environments has put it at risk which could inadvertently pose serious public health hazard. This study assessed the heavy metal concentrations of the surface water and sediments of Dandaru Reservoir, in Ibadan, Nigeria. The level of contamination of lake water and sediment were use to determine the degree of pollution and its potential effects on the environment and public health. Physical and chemical parameters and heavy metals were determined in the lake water using standard methods from April, 2015 to March, 2016 at five different sites of human activities. The physico-chemical parameters determined were within the limits specified by NESREA and WHO. All metals that were assessed were present in water and sediments (except nickel which was not determined in sediment). Metal concentration in the water followed the following trend Mn,>Fe>Pb>Ni>Zn>Cu>Co>Cd>Cr. Also, metal accumulation in sediments was Fe>Zn>Mn>Pb>Cu>Co>Cd>Cr. The average Igeo class for the sediments in all the stations was 0-2 indicating uncontaminated to moderately contaminated levels. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Mn in water exceeded the NESREA AND WHO standards for domestic water use and aquatic life. These could have adverse effects on the environment and health of people that utilize the water and fish of the Dandaru Reservoir. Effective monitoring of the livelihood activities and discharges into the reservoir are recommended to prevent further deterioration of the reservoir.
Keywords: Contamination factor, Dandaru Reservoir, Geo-accumulation Index, Heavy Metals, Sediment
Environmental Impact of Microbes on Awba Dam: It’s Effect on Ecotourism (Published)
Recreational use of water is often given inadequate consideration and care. This is of particular concern as the recreational use of water is becoming popular in Nigeria . Many of these are increasingly contaminated by domestic sewage and industrial effluents. This study is therefore relevant in assessing the environmental impact of microbes on ecotourism in Awba dam. A total of nine water (n=9) and soil (n= 9) samples were collected at entry, middle and the end of the Awba dam for heavy metal analysis and microbial assay. Samples were assessed for heavy metals using an official procedure and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total aerobic plate count, Isolation and characterization of strains was done using standard methods. For enumeration of E. coliO157:H7, colonies were characterized using standard methods. The direct slide agglutination technique was utilized for serology. The presumptive E. coli isolates were subjected to agglutination tests with specific E. coli O157:H7 . For the antibiotic sensitivity test, the Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion method was used to test the sensitivity of the isolates. Statistical analysis of ANOVA was used and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means. All the values obtained for the total aerobic count and total coliform count for soil and water were higher than EPA recommended value for recreational waters. For the antibiotic Sensitivity Profile, isolates from Awba dam showed the highest sensitivity (16.17mm) to ciprofloxacin while lowest was with Augmentine (8.25mm).Furthermore the isolate from the control point showed highest sensitivity to CPR and NIT ( 14mm) and least for AUG (5mm) Generally, E.coliO157:H7 isolates were highly sensitive to Oflatoxin and Ciproflaxin(93.3%) while the isolate was completely resistant to Ampicilin and Cefuroxime. The presence of E.coliO157:H7 in the dam can make the dam unfit for recreational activities and also for the community household chores, if not well treated . The University management should device means of controlling waste water that enters into the dam by providing alternate channels of discharge .This will reduce the growth and spread of the microbes in the soil and water of the dam.
Keywords: E. coli O157:H7, Ecotourism, Heavy Metals, Microbes, Physico-chemical parameters, Total Coliform Count
Environmental Impact of Microbes on Awba Dam; Its Effect on Ecotourism (Published)
Recreational use of water is often given inadequate consideration and care. This is of particular concern as the recreational use of water is becoming popular in Nigeria. Many of these are increasingly contaminated by domestic sewage and industrial effluents. This study is therefore relevant in assessing the environmental impact of microbes on ecotourism in Awba dam. A total of nine water (n=9) and soil (n= 9) samples were collected at entry, middle and the end of the Awba dam for heavy metal analysis and microbial assay. Samples were assessed for heavy metals using an official procedure and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total aerobic plate count, Isolation and characterization of strains was done using standard methods. For enumeration of E. coliO157:H7, colonies were characterized using standard methods. The direct slide agglutination technique was utilized for serology. The presumptive E. coli isolates were subjected to agglutination tests with specific E. coli O157:H7 . For the antibiotic sensitivity test, the Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion method was used to test the sensitivity of the isolates. Statistical analysis of ANOVA was used and Duncan multiple range test was used to separate the means. All the values obtained for the total aerobic count and total coliform count for soil and water were higher than EPA recommended value for recreational waters. For the antibiotic Sensitivity Profile, isolates from Awba dam showed the highest sensitivity (16.17mm) to ciprofloxacin while lowest was with Augmentine (8.25mm).Furthermore the isolate from the control point showed highest sensitivity to CPR and NIT ( 14mm) and least for AUG (5mm) Generally, E.coliO157:H7 isolates were highly sensitive to Oflatoxin and Ciproflaxin(93.3%) while the isolate was completely resistant to Ampicilin and Cefuroxime. The presence of E.coliO157:H7 in the dam can make the dam unfit for recreational activities and also for the community household chores, if not well treated . The University management should device means of controlling waste water that enters into the dam by providing alternate channels of discharge .This will reduce the growth and spread of the microbes in the soil and water of the dam.
Keywords: E. coli O157:H7, Heavy Metals, Physico-chemical parameters, Total Coliform Count