ASSESSMENT OF THE HEAVY METAL POLLUTION OF THE SOIL OF AJAOKUTA STEEL COMPANY, AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE NIGERIA
Abstract
Soil samples from different sections of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Ajaokuta were collected randomly for the analysis of the concentration of selected heavy metals caused by the activities of the iron and steel complex. The results obtained were compared with WHO, NAFDAC and SON standards; and the parameters assessed fall within the permissible limits. The low concentration could be attributed to the fact that the Ajaokuta Steel Company has not been in operation for more than five years. The analysis was done using pH meter and atomic absorption spectrometric technique. The pH of the soil S1 (7.50), S2 (7.60), S3 (7.10) and S5 (7.20) were slightly basic and S4 (6.10) and S6 (6.90) were slightly acidic and the concentration of the heavy metals in ppm were within the permissible range except for Fe which is in a high concentration, which was found to range between 97.4to116.5 mg/Kg. Heavy metal pollutants in the environment are of immense concern globally, so there is need to study and enlighten the habitants of such environments where this giant company is situated as clarified in this study.
References
Adaikpoh, E.O; Nwajei, G.E., Ogala, J.E. (2005). Heavy Metals Concentrations in Coal and Sediments from River Ekulu in Enugu Coal City of Nigeria, Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management 9(3)5-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v9i3.17343
Adefemi, O.S., Olaofe, O. and Asaolu, S.S. (2007). Seasonal variation in heavy metal distribution in the sediments of major dams in Ekiti State. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 6(6): 705-707. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2007.705.707
Adepoju-Bello, A., Alabi, O. (2005). Heavy metals; a review. The Nig. Jou. Pharm 37:41-45. (5).
Byhargava, Om P. (1997). Waste Management and Pollution Prevention Opportunities in the Iron and Steel Industry. Canadian Chemical News, Canada.
Burt, R., Wilson, M.A., Keck, T.J., Dougherty, B.D., Storom, D.E., Lindahi, J.A, (2008). Trace element speciation in selected smelter Contaminated soils in Anaconda and Dear Lodge Valley. Montana, USA Advances in Environmental Search 8:51-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1093-0191(02)00140-5
Cullaj, A., Celo, V., Babi, D. (2000). Analytical Investigation of heavy metals content in sediments of Albanian Coast. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, 1(1):81-89.
Duruibe, J.O., Ogwuebu, M.O. and Egwurugwu, J.N. (2007). Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects. Int. Jour. of Phys. Sci. 2(5), 112-118.
Fifield, F.W. and P.J. Haines, 1995). Environment Analytical Chemistry. 3rd Edn. Blackie Academic and Professional, London.
Hesterberg, D. (1998). Biogeochemical cycles and process leading to changes in mobility of chemicals in soil. Journal of Agric, Ecosystem and Environment, 67:121-133. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(97)00110-2
Nweke, F.N., Okaka, A.N.C., Offor, E.C. (2008). Lead, Zinc and pH concentrations of Enyigba soils in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology 7(14):2441-2443.
Petraitis, E. (2007). Research into heavy metal concentration in agricultural soil. Ekologija 53(3):64-69.
WHO (2007). Health risk of heavy metal form long-range Transboundary air pollution. World health organization.
Wikipedia, (2009). Pollution. Wikimedia Foundation, U.S., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
Copyright (c) 2023 FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
FUDMA Journal of Sciences
