Distribution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in soils around a major cement factory, Ibese, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil contamination from industrial activity such as cement production is of prime importance due to the associated potential for heavy metal pollution. This study investigated the distribution and degree of contamination of heavy metal in soils around a major cement factory, Ibese, Ogun State, Nigeria. Twenty six surface soil samples were collected at distances from the cement factory in April 2019 and analysed using standard methods. Heavy metal concentrations were compared with reference and standards and the degrees of soil contamination assessed using relevant indices. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in soil samples compared to the reference. Considerable pollution and potential ecological risk from Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were observed in soils of the study area from the results of the potential ecological risk index (RI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the contamination factor (Cf). The results from this study constitute valuable information on the heavy metal pollution status of soils around Dangote cement factory, Ibese, calling for an overhaul of the factory's waste management processes and an intensification of the regulatory activities of agencies involved.