Auto Mechanics Research Articles

Application of Steam Enhanced Extraction Method on BTEX Contaminated Soil in A Nigerian Petroleum Depot and Automobile Workshop Sites in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

The contamination of soil in the environment is a natural consequence of industrialization and urbanization. Organic chemical pollutants dissolve into groundwater, absorb and adsorb into soil grains. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are major causes of contaminated soil. This is due to fuel leakages or spillages, various forms of hydrocarbon burning/combustion and land disposal petroleum base oil. Contaminated soil samples were excavated from two different locations within the Ilorin metropolis; pipelines and products marketing company, a Nigerian petroleum depot, Ilorin depot and auto mechanic workshop of over ten years. Steam enhanced extraction method was employed through injection of steam to contaminated soil from steam generator into soil pot where contaminated soil was placed. The condensation of steam on soil particles provides energy to release desorbed contaminants molecules from the soil and the mobilized contaminants vapor was transferred into the recovery pot via the pipe that was connected to the soil pot. After the remediation process, the steamed soil samples were taken to the laboratory where the sonication extraction technique was used to extract the contaminants (BTEX) from the steamed soil samples of 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively. The extract from the steamed soil samples of 30, 60 and 90 minutes was subjected to Gas Chromatography fitted with flame ionization detector analysis to determine the exact amount of BTEX removed after the remediation process. Pre-treated soil sample of auto mechanics workshop was found to be 4.5004 x 10-1 mg/kg and post-treated soil samples were found to be 1.8164 x10-1 mg/kg, 8.7519 x10-1 mg/kg and 5.7006 x10-2 mg/kg for 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively after remediation process while Pre-treated soil sample of a Nigerian petroleum depot was found to be 6.6049 x 10-1 mg/kg and post-treated soil samples were found to be 2.9320 x10-1 mg/kg, 1.9855 x10-1 mg/kg and 1.0237 x10-1 mg/kg for 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively after the remediation process. This study established the effectiveness of the remediation process of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using steam enhanced extraction method an In situ remediation technique.

Contemporary Aspects of Training in Vocational Secondary Schools and Students’ Health

Introduction: Current vocational secondary education (VSE) in Russia is characterized by a focus on practical training (as part of dual training) aimed at improving professional competencies of graduates. It also demonstrates negative trends in adolescent health, which requires optimization and development of specific algorithms of medical support for students aged 14–22 years and older appropriate to their academic and practical workload. Objective: To assess adaptation of college students to learning conditions, depending on their health status, and to substantiate ways of improving their health care. Material and methods: We retrieved and analyzed information from the database of multicenter studies conducted within the unified program of the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health of the Russian Ministry of Health. Our sample included 197 first- and second-year college boys from the cities of Omsk and Moscow studying to become welders and auto mechanics. The quality of life, health and well-being indicators were evaluated according to the International Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form (MOS SF-36). The students were divided into subgroups based on their health status. The statistical processing complied with modern requirements and criteria of evidence-based medicine. Results: We established that vocational schools admitted a significant number of applicants with the above specialty preferences suffering from chronic diseases (21.1–26 %). Results of the questionnaire-based survey of future welders and car mechanics revealed difficulties in adaptation to the educational process of the students with chronic disorders expressed by lower quality of life indicators, frequent health complaints and feelings of fatigue, especially in second-year students who experience an increasing academic and practical workload. Conclusions: Students with chronic diseases mastering professions with hazardous working conditions represent population at risk, require health monitoring, determination of professional suitability, and control over the working conditions in industrial practice. The importance of protecting health of future professionals is determined by implementation of practice-based training in 42 % of vocational schools. Models of school medicine proposed to optimize health care in comprehensive schools can be adapted to conditions of secondary vocational facilities. Foreign studies have proved feasibility of an early onset of work-related diseases in certain occupations, even before completion of training, thus necessitating vocational guidance, professional medical advice, and development of an effective system of medical support for adolescents and students.

Occupational health hazards and use of personal protective equipment among auto mechanics in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Introduction: Auto mechanics are workers who repair and overhaul cars and other automotive vehicles, or their systems and parts. The main objective of the study was to assess knowledge of occupational hazards and the use of safety measures among automobile repair artisans in Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried among 400 auto mechanics working garages in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The data collection was done from May 15th to Jun 13th, 2019.
 Results: Among the 400 respondents, only 31% had adequate knowledge about occupational hazards due to vehicle repairing. Age, educational status, working hours, years of employment and pre-service training were found to be associated with knowledge on hazards. Two-thirds (63.5%) of the surveyed workers knew the use of PPE and this knowledge was statistically significant with age, educational status, working hours and pre-service training. The study showed that only half (53.5%) of the respondents use one or more PPE during their work despite being exposed to lots of hazards in the working area.
 Conclusion: Knowledge on health hazards was inadequate. Also, there was a difference in knowledge on PPE and its use. So, there is a need to put the knowledge into practice.

Frequency of Work-related Low Back Pain and Disability Among Automobile Mechanics in Lahore

Automobile mechanic work is an extensive and physically hard job. Consequently, the automobile workers suffer from ergonomic risk factors including Low Back Pain (LBP) as a major.Objective: To find out the prevalence of Low Back pain (LBP) and disability among automobile mechanics in Lahore.Methodology:The study was cross-sectional and included 180 automechanics of Lahore. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OLBPDQ) was used to measure the disability caused by pain. Pain was measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data was collected from 180 auto mechanics from auto repair shops of Lahore.Results:Out of 180 individuals, 125 subjects reported LBP with average age of 30±5.3 years. 87 individuals (69.6%) were minimally disabled and 31 individuals (24.8%) experienced moderate disability, whereas only 7 individuals (5.6%) experienced severedisability in activities of daily living (ADLs).Conclusions:LBP is highly frequent among automobile mechanics. Majority of the individuals suffering from LBP had minimal disability. The rate of moderate disability was also noticeable but number of individuals with severe disability was very low. Overall, LBP disturbed the quality of life.

Effects of Panoramic Image Virtual Reality on the Workplace English Learning Performance of Vocational High School Students

Digital learning has become an inevitable trend with many benefits for students’ learning performance and motivation. However, Virtual Reality, a pervasive mode of digital learning nowadays, has incurred ambivalence among teachers over the years due to its high cost and other technical concerns. Panoramic image VR (PIVR) is a cost-efficient alternative to conventional VR in classroom settings, and is featured in this quasi-experimental research as a digital means to simulate language situations in future workplaces for a total of 106 vocational high school students majoring in auto mechanics. All student participants were divided into an experimental and a control group. The results showed that learning performance, motivation, and satisfaction were better in the experimental group than in the control group thanks to the use of PIVR. Furthermore, it was found that the learning performance of the experimental group students with medium prior knowledge was significantly better than that of the control group students of the same level of prior knowledge. However, no such difference was found for the remaining participants. It is thus inferred that PIVR-based digital learning might be more effective for students with medium prior knowledge than for those with either high or low prior knowledge.

Symptoms Associated with Low Threshold Lead Poisoning Among Roadside and Organized Panel Beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.

Background.There is no safe level of human exposure to lead (Pb). Detecting common early symptoms of low threshold Pb poisoning can help to prevent the damaging effects of higher doses and chronic low dose exposures. Panel beaters or auto body mechanics are exposed to Pb through their occupational duties.Objectives.The present study aimed to determine common early symptoms associated with lower threshold Pb poisoning among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.Methods.This was a comparative cross-sectional study of 428 panel beaters in Enugu metropolis. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 214 respondents each from the roadside and organized sectors. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Samples were collected under aseptic procedures. Blood Pb samples were extracted using the conventional wet acid digestion method and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (wavelength 283.3 nm). Comparative analysis was performed using the chi – square and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results.Median Pb levels were 3.0 ug/dL and 16.0 ug/dL among roadside and organized panel beaters, respectively, with a significant difference. Numbness of limbs (P = 0.010) and fatigue (χ2 = 5.294, P = 0.023) were found to be associated with roadside panel beaters, while weakness (χ2 = 6.185, P = 0.019) and fatigue (χ2 = 4.206, P = 0.046) were associated with organized panel beaters.Conclusions.Nonspecific constitutional symptoms were common early symptoms of Pb poisoning irrespective of workplace occupational practices. These symptoms will help in early detection and control of occupational lead exposures.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.Ethics approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Formation of professional competencies in future automobiles in the conditions of practical education

This article discusses the method of selection and formation of professional competencies that will ensure competitiveness in future auto mechanics. It is planned to introduce this method in the course of studying the course Methods of forming competitiveness in future car mechanics in a practice-oriented professional training environment.

Conceptual Design and Finite Element Fatigue Life Analysis of a Poppet Valve Spring Compressor

In the overhauling of the internal combustion engine, a lot of tools are used and among them is the poppet valve spring compressor. In Ghana, auto mechanics at the “way-side” garages make use of improvised tools, such as pipes, pliers, and push rods, for compressing valve springs. However, there are some challenges associated with the usage of these tools which include misplacement of cotters, injuries, and sometimes valve bends. In this work, a review of some of the existing designs of the improvised tools was considered. Also, a survey was conducted to seek the opinion of users (auto technicians and/or mechanics) of the tools. A design was made for spring compression by incorporating a magnet with a pull force of 679.78 N to take care of the removal of cotters during valve assembly dismantling. In this research, an efficient and user-friendly poppet valve spring compression tool with a total mass of 0.88 kg was designed. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on the upper and lower parts of the tool to examine its response due to the loads that act on it during operation. It was discovered from the analysis that the upper frame of the valve spring compressor experienced the highest von Mises stress of 59.77 MPa at the neck region, whilst the corresponding fatigue analysis showed a maximum fatigue life of 8.355 × 109 cycles.

Effect of Computer-Assisted Instruction on Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention of Auto-mechanics Technology in Technical Colleges

The poor achievement of students in technical colleges in Nigeria has been a major concern to researchers. The use of effective instructional method in technical colleges will enhance students' academic achievement. This demands that teachers in technical colleges would adopt instructional methods that would improve the achievement of students in auto-mechanics technology in technical colleges. The study investigated the effect of computer-assisted instruction on students' academic achievement and retention in auto-mechanics in technical colleges. Three research questions were answered and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Quasi-experimental design was used for the study. Population of the study was 128 National Technical Certificate (NTC) year 1 Auto-Mechanics students in state owned technical colleges. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw four schools out of the six technical colleges with 101 students for the study. Instruments for data collection were Auto-Mechanics Achievement Test (AMAT). The instrument was face and content validated by three experts. Test–retest method was used to establish its reliability and was calculated using Pearson product moment correlation which yielded a correlation coefficient value of 0.81. Treatment procedure of computer–assisted instruction (CAI) and demonstration teaching method for the study was carried out. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that students taught auto-mechanics using CAI achieved significantly higher and retained knowledge better than those taught using demonstration teaching method. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that CAI positively affects students' academic accomplishment and retention ability in the subject auto-mechanics. It was found more compelling, effective, rewarding and valuable in teaching of auto mechanics at technical colleges. Consequently, it was recommended among others that technical teachers should use CAI in teaching auto-mechanics in order to enhance students' academic achievement and retentionability. Therefore, auto-mechanics teachers should ensure constant and effective utilization of CAI for instruction in trade subjects/courses in technical colleges to improve students' achievement and knowledge retention.e

Socioeconomic Determinants of Farmers’ Participation in Off-Farm Income Employment in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

The socio-economic determinants of farmers’ participation in off-farm income employment in Ezza south local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria were studied. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, identify the off-farm income employments participated by the farmers, ascertain the determinants of farmers’ participation in off-farm income employments and identify the limiting factors to the farmers’ participation in off-farm income employments in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. One hundred and twenty farmers (120) were randomly selected for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage responses and frequency distribution, logistic regression and 4-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that the farmers that participated in off-farm income activities were aged, educated, well experienced, large farm size, females, married and large household size. The result further revealed that high proportion of the respondents engaged in civil service, trading, motor cycle riders, auto mechanics and tricycle riders. The determinants factors to the farmers’ participants in off farm employments were household size, education level, farming experience, farm size and membership of cooperative societies. Factors limiting farmers’ participation in off-farm activities were high level of Illiteracy, poor access to credit facility, old age, inadequate power supply, poor extension services and ill health of farmers identified. There is need to enhance farmers’ access to extension services, educational program, encouraged farmers to join or form cooperatives.

Assessment of the geo-environmental effects of activities of auto-mechanic workships at Alaoji Aba and Elekahia Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Geo-environmental assessment of activities of auto–mechanics at Alaoji Aba and Elekahia Port Harcourt, both in the Niger Delta region, Southern Nigeria were carried out with the main objective of determining the extent of soil contamination arising from anthropogenic activities within mechanic villages (MVs). Geochemical analysis of soil samples from the study area revealed that the concentrations of the trace metals ranged from <1 mg/kg for chromium (Cr) to 1,925 mg/kg for the lead (Pb). Soil analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) across the area revealed concentrations ranging from <0.02 to 1.80 mg/Kg and from <1.00 to 38,327 mg/kg respectively. Elevated levels of the heavy metals and TPH were observed at MV in Alaoji Aba when compared to MV in Elekahia Port Harcourt, and the control sites. These could be attributed to contamination due to the presence of these auto-mechanics in the area for over thirty years. The concentration of Pb and Cd recorded in some sample points were above USEPA (United State Environmental Protection Agency) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) permissible limits. Results of PAH analysis showed the presence of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, fluorene, benzo(a)anthracene, acenaphthene, methylnaphthalene. Risk assessment analysis showed significant geo-accumulation values for Cd and Pb indicating heavy contamination. The monomial risk factor of the heavy metals in the MVs are in the order Cd >Pb>Cr, while potential ecological risk index analysis showed values indicating very high risk, considerable risk and a moderate risk to the area under study as well as the surrounding environment. These results suggest that the soils from the MVs which represent the mechanic workshops at Alaoji Aba and Elekahia Port Harcourt are considered to be of pollution concern due to elevated Pb and Cd levels. Hence, there is a serious need to regularly monitor the activities of auto-mechanics in the study area.

Challenges in diagnosing lead poisoning: A review of occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed cases reported in India.

Lead is a nonessential metal which enters the body through various means and is considered as one of the most common health toxins. Several cases of lead poisoning are reported as a result of inhalation or ingestion of lead in employees working as painters, smelters, electric accumulator manufacturers, compositors, auto mechanics, and miners. In addition to occupational lead exposure, several cases of lead poisoning are reported in the general population through various sources and pathways. Innumerable signs and symptoms of lead poisoning observed are subtle and depend on the extent and duration of exposure. The objective of this review article is to discuss occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed lead poisoning cases reported in India and the associated symptoms, mode of therapy, and environmental intervention used in managing these cases. Lead poisoning cases cannot be identified at an early stage as the symptoms are very general and mimic that of other disorders, and patients might receive only symptomatic treatment. Knowledge about the various symptoms and potential sources is of utmost importance. Medical practitioners when confronted with patients experiencing signs and symptoms as discussed in this article can speculate the possibility of lead poisoning, which could lead to early diagnosis and its management.

Organizing for Effective Community Action: Neighbors vs. Developers in Weaverville, North Carolina

Abstract Organizing, especially in Appalachia, has been in large part divisive: miners against owners, environmentalists against corporations, rights advocates vs. racism and sexism, cultural observers vs. media stereotypes, and more. There have also been organizing efforts to build groups and communities advocating for the rights of women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ identities, but the growing political polarization at the national level has tended to limit the membership in these movements. Episcopalians may be found where there are no Southern Baptists; master’s degree candidates may be found where there are no auto mechanics. This note describes an Appalachian community, Weaverville, North Carolina, where residents from such diverse backgrounds came together in 2016 to challenge both local government and a well-funded, powerful developer to protect a popular and heavily used public space. Data were gathered from participant observation, as the author had moved to the neighborhood to live next to his daughter and her family. The two families lived close enough to the development to become involved in the dispute.

Heavy Metals Contamination in Soils in and Around Some Selected Auto Mechanic Workshops in Ga East Municipal Assembly of Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Welder and auto mechanics face a number of occupational health hazards. In this study, distribution of nine heavy metals from soil samples collected from twelve auto mechanics and welders' workshops in Ga East Municipal Assembly of Greater Accra Region, Ghana at the depth of 0”30 cm for laboratory analysis. The samples were analysed for Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS). The results of the analysis indicate that majority of metal concentrations (mg/kg) in the samples were above control (background) levels and threshold limits recommended in soil samples by some countries. The level of investigated metals in the soil samples generally decreased in this order; Fe &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; Cd &gt; Co. The results of the analysis ranged from as high as 313 mg/kg for Fe to as low as 0.30 mg/kg for Co in the soil samples. Quantification of contamination was high for Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Co, Cd and Pb, moderate for Mn and low for Ni. The geo-accumulation index values for metals in auto-mechanic workshops showed that the environment is highly polluted with Cu, Fe and Cr, and to a lesser degree with Pb, Mn. and Ni. Zinc (Zn), Co and Cd showed moderate pollution status.

EFFECT OF COGNITIVE APPRENTICESHIP INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION OF AUTO MECHANICS TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES

The need to improve students’ academic achievement in auto mechanics technology necessitated this study. The study investigated the effect of cognitive apprenticeship instructional method on students’ academic achievement and retention in auto mechanics technology in technical colleges in Delta State. Three research questions guided the study and three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted the quasi-experimental research design. Specifically, the pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group experimental design was used. Population of the study was 237 vocational II auto mechanic students in the six technical colleges in Delta State. A sample of 114 was used for the study. Instrument for data collection was Auto Mechanic Achievement Test (AMAT). The instruments was validated by three experts (two from the Department of Technology and Vocational Education and one from Measurement and Evaluation Unit of the Department of Educational Foundation all in NnamdiAzikiwe University Awka. The reliability coefficient of Auto Mechanics Achievement Test (AMAT) was established using Kunder Richardson 21 Formula and the reliability coefficients of 0.75 was obtained. Arithmetic mean was used to analyse data relating to research questions, while analysis of covariance ANCOVA was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings revealed that students taught auto mechanics technology using cognitive apprenticeship instructional method achieved and retained better than those taught with demonstration method. Conclussion was drawn that cognitive apprenticeship instructional method is an innovative and effective mode of instruction with capacity to improve students’ learning outcome. Consequently, it was recommended among others that technical teachers should use cognitive apprenticeship instructional method in teaching auto mechanics course so as to enhance students’ academic achievement and knowledge retention. Article visualizations:

Professional Adaptation of North Caucasians in Emigration (1920–1930s, France)

This article considers models of the professional arrangement of North Caucasian émigrés in France in the 1920s and 1930s. Using new archival and field ethnographic materials, we explore the social and political activities of North Caucasians as a profession and as a view of life; and the activities of the Caucasian group of oil owners (leader — Nobel), who before the Revolution were engaged in oil production in the Caucasus or owned shares of oil firms. France had the most cars in Europe for the 1920s and 1930s. Therefore, it was not surprising that many emigrants from Russia, including North Caucasians, began working as chauffeurs, taxi drivers, and auto mechanics. In addition, they often became employees of auto factories (e. g. as specialists and laborers). Since there were many military people among North Caucasian émigrés, many they decided to join the French Foreign Legion. Emigrants from the North Caucasus pursued publishing, literary, journalistic, scientific, and teaching activities. In Russia many North Caucasians received a legal education but could not work as lawyers in France. Medical activity was also rare. In emigration there were several North Caucasians who became artists, singers, and dancers who performed in restaurants opened by North Caucasians. The children of the first wave of North Caucasian emigrants, as a rule, received higher education in France, and many of them managed to obtain excellent careers.

Information needs and Information-seeking behaviour of auto mechanics in Siwdu, Cape Coast, Ghana

Information needs and Information-seeking behaviour of auto mechanics in Siwdu, Cape Coast, Ghana

Influence of petroleum product exposure on serum micronutrient concentrations in automobile mechanics

Background Aim of the Study: Occupation-related pathological presentations have been recognized in automobile mechanics, several of which are oxidative stress-induced. Altered micronutrient levels can help in predicting the possibility of oxidative stress-related diseases. It is for this reason that micronutrient levels are being assessed in auto mechanics. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire was administered to obtain information on workers' safety assessment, lifestyle choices, and work experience. Estimation of micronutrient levels was carried out on sera of 80 adult males, 40 of whom were auto mechanics and the other 40 constituted the control group. Essential trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Co, Fe, Mo, and Cr) and vitamins (Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Student's t-test was utilized to establish a significant difference between test and control groups. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Micronutrients with antioxidant attributes such as Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Vitamin E, and ascorbic acid were significantly reduced compared with controls. Data obtained from an administered questionnaire showed that there were no conscious efforts or program to ensure the safety of the mechanics. Conclusions: Auto mechanics are prone to altered serum micronutrient levels.

Lung functions abnormalities among auto mechanics in Ogbomoso, Nigeria: Clinical correlates and determinants

Background: Auto mechanics are exposed to various organic, inorganic and particulate matters as a result of their occupation. Determining the association between environmental pollutant and risk of lung function abnormalities among auto mechanics is important to prevent long-termCem&gt;Objective: To describe lung function abnormalities and their determinants among auto mechanics in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and three auto mechanics were randomly selected from Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Their clinical and demographic data were obtained using a data form. Spirometry was performed using the CONTEC handheld Spirometer. The personal best values of three measurements FEV1, FVC and PEFR were determined. Lung function abnormalities were described according to standardized criteria. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 38.5 (11.9) years. The mean systolic blood pressure, mean diastolic pressure and mean duration of the job as auto mechanics were 128.7 (17.9) mmHg, 81.2 (11.4) mmHg and 20.2 (12.5) years respectively. Restrictive, obstructive and mixed lung function abnormalities were demonstrated among 53%, 10% and 2% respectively. The mean values of FEV1 and FVC reduced significantly with increasing job duration. Conclusion: Lung function abnormalities occurred frequently among auto mechanics in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. There seemed to be a progressive decline in lung functions with age and duration of exposure to organic and inorganic pollutants by auto mechanics. Strict environmental and occupational safety measures may limit the hazards associated with poor air quality and other chemical/physical hazards among auto mechanics in Nigeria.

English

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.