Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 3(1):10-15
Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Soils around the Vicinity of Asbestos factory at Bauchi Industrial Layout, Northeastern, Nigeria
Karkarna, M.Z, Nasir U. A. and Mujahid A. M.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals pollution in soils around the vicinity of asbestos factory in Bauchi Industrial layout, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Soils samples were collected from the soil at the depths of 0 – 15cm and 15 – 30cm representing top and sub- soils respectively and also from control site 100m away from the point of impact. Soil samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis of heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb and Mn using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) technique. The heavy metal levels had the mean values of (mgkg-1) 1.49 mg/kg for Cd, 2.453 for Pb, 1.890 for Mn and 0.108 for Cr. The result of single pollution index indicated that soil in the vicinity of asbestos factory was practically un polluted with Mn, Cr but slightly polluted with cadmium. Pearson’s correlation showed positive and significant associations between Cd and Mn (r = 0.87, p<0.05), Pb and Mn (r = 0.490, p<0.05) while negative and significant association existed between Pb and Cr (r = -0.689*, p<0.05). The result indicates that heavy metals such as Pb, Mn and Cr were in the class of unpolluted while Cd at asbestos factory was found at level of heavy polluted grading classification.
