Aishatu Santuraki
Federal University, Nigeria
Title: Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Associated with Automobile Activities in Selected Areas of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State
Biography
Biography: Aishatu Santuraki
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the heavy metal levels in soil associated with automobile activities that causes significant environmental problems in six different sites ( Mairi,Tashan Bama,University gate, Custom, Gamboru and Gomari ) within Jere Area of Borno state. Soil at varying depth of 0-10 cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm and 30-40cm were collected monthly for a period of three months(January-March 2017) respectively using standard procedure. The samples were ashed, digested and analysed for Lead, Chromium, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Nickel, Arsenic, and Iron using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed variation in concentration with respect to period and location. Highest concentration of Lead0.45±0.16ug/g),Iron(43.57±2.32ug/g),Chromium(2.89±0.61ug/g),Nickel(3.96±0.34ug/g),Zinc(1.69±0.08ug/g),Copper(1.98±0.03ug/g)and Manganese(4.97±0.12ug/g) respectively were observed . Arsenic was not detected in all the locations. Also, the values were statistically significant at p< 0.05 and found to be above the recommended WHO, FAO and USEPA permissible limits, Hence the soil associated with automobile activity within Jere area was found to be Polluted at time of analysis and not suitable for Agricultural purposes and might influence water quality if sinking of Borehole around the area is contemplated.The importance of this research, concerns two points of view: physical and educational.