Biomonitoring of heavy metals pollution in the university of Lagos, Akoka campus environment using the moss <i>Dicranium scorparium</i> Hedw

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe level of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in University ofLagos, Akoka campus was investigated using the moss Dicranumscorparium Hedw. Moss samples were collected from unplasteredperimeter walls and rock surfaces at ten sampling sites labeled AJ: UBA Park (A), Ransome Kuti (B). Makama Hall (C), Faculty ofLaw (D), Moremi Car Park (E), Medical Centre (F), Ozoluwa BQs(G), High Rise Buildings (H), Honors Hall (I), Lagoon Front (J). Acontrol sampling was done at First Estate, Amuwo-Odofin LGA.The concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni),Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using AtomicAbsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Perkin Elmer AA 800. Theresults obtained confirmed the presence of heavy metal in thisorder Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni. The concentration of Zn, Cd and Pbwere greater than the FME and UNEP threshold limiting values.The analysis of the anthropogenic influence of the pollutants on theenvironment revealed that Zn (4.24mg/L) despite its highestabundance is a moderate contaminant in the study locations.Contamination factor (CF) suggests that locations B, D, F, G and Jare seriously contaminated (C5) while locations A, C, E, H, and Iare extremely contaminated (C6). The index of geo-accumulationrevealed that all the studied locations are in the Igeo7 categoryindicating extremely pollution with the assayed metals. Thedifference in the occurrence of anthropogenic activities was seento be the major factor responsible for the variations in theconcentration of heavy metals accumulated by the mosses.