English

Abstract

This research work targeted at the use of integrated pollution indices models of Pollution Index (PI), Average of Pollution Index (PIAvg), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Nemerow Pollution Index (NIPINemerow) in assessing heavy metals pollution in soils of three auto mechanic villages of Abuja. Soil samples were randomly collected with a stainless hand auger to a depth range of 0 to 15 cm and were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer of model Unicam 969 Solar to determine the heavy metal contents in them. Mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals from the results were observed to follow a decreasing order; Apo: Cu (7668)Zn (5360)Cr (1174)Fe (467)Pb (333)Ni (196)Cd (10.5); Kugbo: Zn(1587)Cu (1042)Cr (783)Ni (234)Fe (217)Pb (170)Cd (9.47) and Zuba: Zn(1190)Cr (767)Cu (512)Fe (279)Pb (250)Ni (127)Cd (10.4). Strong positive correlations exist between heavy metals which indicate same source of contamination, mutual dependence and identical behaviors. Results of integrated pollution indices showed that investigated soils have been polluted to various degrees ranging from low to high level pollution. This indicates deterioration of sites quality. Key words: Auto mechanics villages, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, heavy metals, integrated pollution indices, soil, statistical analysis.