Abstract
A study on the storage and disposal practices of spent oil from Automobile workshops in ObioAkpor Local Government Area of Rivers state was conducted to determine the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples. Questionnaire was administered and a total of 150 autotechnicians were sampled. Taro Yamani formula was used to determine the sample size. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0 - 15 cm from 8 randomly selected sites and analyzed for PAH. Control consisted of a similar soil with no history of spent oil-contamination. Results showed that autotechnicians had little or no formal education. Only 51% of respondents had secondary/technical education. 94% of the study population disposed of their generated spent oil in various types of containers before disposal. 94% disposed of their spent oil by selling. 60% of the autotechnicians were not aware that spent oil was hazardous. More so, 76% were not aware that spent oil could be recycled. Analysis of soil samples showed that mean concentration of PAH was lower than the DPR standard in all locations. Control values did not show any consistent pattern when compared with the test values in all locations. Soil contamination by PAH in the study area ranged from minor to severe. The automobile workshops pose potential sources of PAH pollution. The study recommends enactment and enforcement of legislations to control the management of spent oil.
Highlights
Autotechnician’s workshops, popularly called “mechanic” workshops in Nigeria, perform a very important role in the transportation industry in Nigerian economy since they provide services to vehicle and road users
A study on the storage and disposal practices of spent oil from Automobile workshops in ObioAkpor Local Government Area of Rivers state was conducted to determine the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples
Based on disposal practice 94% (136) of selected auto-technicians sold the spent oil they generated while 2% (3) of mechanics disposed of their spent oil on the ground
Summary
Autotechnician’s workshops, popularly called “mechanic” workshops in Nigeria, perform a very important role in the transportation industry in Nigerian economy since they provide services to vehicle and road users. Being a developing country, Nigeria patronizes many fairly-used vehicles, increasing patronage of auto-technicians on a daily basis especially by commercial motorists. Some of their activities include battery replacement, changing of oil and oil filters, general servicing, etc. As a result of these activities, they generate some wastes that include spent oil, old batteries, brake pads and linings, and tyres. All these wastes, and more, have the ability to contaminate the environment if not collected, stored, segregated and disposed of with care. It will cause pollution of the environment leading to serious health effects in plants and animals, including man
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
