Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soils from Mechanic Workshops Within Gusau Town

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a problem inherent in industrial areas. However, automobiles and activities associated with automobiles are now considered to be among the largest sources of heavy metals with the soil serving as a sink for these metals. It is against this backdrop that the study “Heavy metals accumulation in soils from mechanic workshops within Gusau town” is centred. The concentration of heavy metals; lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, chromium and zinc were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations ranges from 0.039-0.046ppm for Ni, 0.360-0.397 ppm for Pb, 0.089-0.147 ppm for Cu, 0.018-0.061ppm for Cr and 2.855-3.509ppm for Zn. The result was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed the presence of heavy metals in most of the workshops. Their concentrations however, are within the WHO permissible limit.