Evaluation of heavy metals in roadside soils of major streets in Jos metropolis, Nigeria

E. S. Abechi¹*, O. J. Okunola², S. M. J. Zubairu¹, A. A. Usman³ and E. Apene⁴

¹Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

²National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Basawa, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

³Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.

⁴Federal College of Forestry Mechanization P. M. B. 2273, Afaka, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Corresponding author. E-mail: abeshus@yahoo.com, okunolaoj@gmail.com.

Accepted 16 March, 2010

 Abstract

A study of heavy metals in roadside soils is critical in assessing the potential environmental impacts of automobile emission on the soil.  The soil samples were collected and analyzed for the levels of Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Co and Fe using AAS. Results indicate the decreasing order of the average total metal content for the studied metals: Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cd > Cu. Except for Cd, all metals are lower than the levels of those reported in other studies. The absence of Co and Ni indicate no pollution due to these metals. Correlation analysis between metals and the traffic volume (V) indicates significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between Pb, Cd and Mn, and V. This further indicates that the metal pollution in the soil is mostly originated from vehicular emissions e. g. motor vehicles. Therefore, this study provides a practical approach to monitor the level of these metals.

Key words: Heavy metals, roadside, Jos, metropolis.