Measures of Harm from Heavy Metal Pollution in Battery Technicians’ Workshop within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Henry Olawale Sawyerr,Morufu Olalekan Raimi,Adedotun Timothy Adeolu,Oluwaseun Emmanuel Odipe

doi:10.22158/csm.v2n2p73

Abstract

Soil pollution with Heavy Metals (HMs) has been of much interests lately and is one of the major issues to be faced globally and requires attention because heavy metals above their normal ranges are extremely threatened to both biotic and abiotic life. It was therefore of interest to conduct study to assess the extent of heavy-metal contamination of soils within battery technicians’ workshops within Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-five composite soil samples were collected from six selected battery charger workshop within Ilorin metropolis and analyzed for the presence of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result reveals significant positive relationship between Mn and Fe (r=0.511**, p<0.001), Mn and Cu (r=0.565**, p<0.001), Fe and Cr (r=0.895**, p<0.001), Fe and Cu (r=0.823**, p<0.001) and between Cr and Cu (r=830**, p<0.001). Result also shows significant negative relationship between Mn and Cr (r=-0.679**, p<0.001), Pb and Cu (r=-0.468*, p<0.05) respectively. The pollution status of heavy metals in soils was evaluated using quantitative indices (pollution index–PI). The result shows that Zn was moderately contaminated while other heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) had very slight contamination (pollution index<0.1). The Ilorin metropolis soils of Kwara State were found to have a moderate to very slight contamination respectively. Large variations in PI values of Zn revealed that soil in those areas of the city, which are influenced by anthropogenic activities, have moderate concentrations of Zn resulting in “considerable risk”. The findings of this study recommend comprehensive continuous annual monitoring and auditing and further studies on the level of these heavy metals in the near future to ascertain long-term effects of anthropogenic impact is forestalled to protect the men and the environment. This should also involve larger coverage with studies on ground water around such locations. Furthermore, continuous metals speciation should be carried out so that the form and extent of metal bioavailability can be evaluated further.

Highlights

Soil Pollution from Heavy Metal (HM) has become a serious issue in many parts of the world (Chen et al, 1997; Islam et al, 2016; Zhongmin et al, 2018) and due to its ubiquity natures, trace level toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence, elevated Heavy Metals (HMs) in soil milieu and soil contamination with HMs has been globally attracting much attention (Waseem et al, 2014; Pavlovic et al, 2016)
Large variations in PI values of Zn revealed that soil in those areas of the city, which are influenced by anthropogenic activities, have moderate concentrations of Zn resulting in “considerable risk”
This paper assesses the soils anthropogenic influences, which has become necessary due to increasing population pressure on soil characteristics. These anthropogenic influences, most often been researched upon in the context of industrial production, transportation, mining, mechanic workshop, construction and manufacturing have resulted in increased heavy metals notably Zinc, Iron, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Manganese in the soils surrounding these activities and to the biosphere which call for further assessment on soils effects (Johan, 2011; Morufu & Clinton, 2017; Raimi & Sabinus, 2017; Olalekan et al, 2018)

Summary

Introduction

Soil Pollution from Heavy Metal (HM) has become a serious issue in many parts of the world (Chen et al, 1997; Islam et al, 2016; Zhongmin et al, 2018) and due to its ubiquity natures, trace level toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence, elevated Heavy Metals (HMs) in soil milieu and soil contamination with HMs has been globally attracting much attention (Waseem et al, 2014; Pavlovic et al, 2016). Large variations in PI values of Zn revealed that soil in those areas of the city, which are influenced by anthropogenic activities, have moderate concentrations of Zn resulting in “considerable risk”.

Results

Conclusion