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Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Reclaimed Section of Nekede Mechanic Village, Owerri, Southeastern, Nigeria

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Abstract

The study evaluated the level of pollution and human health risks of heavy metals in soils from reclaimed section of Nekede MechanicVillage. From 4 depths (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm), 5 composite samples collected were analyzed using EDXRF. The overall mean metal concentrations were Cr: 356.8 ± 30.65 mg/kg, Mn: 479.7 ± 48.31 mg/kg, Co: 1276 ± 140.37 mg/kg, Fe: 79,422.75 ± 10,677.58 mg/kg, Ni: 1011.3 ± 410.10 mg/kg, Cu: 821.65 ± 96.47 mg/kg, Zn: 2263.65 ± 632.27 mg/kg, As: 44.65 ± 8.05 mg/kg, Pb: 568.05 ± 51.38 mg/kg, Cd: 12.55 ± 15.12 mg/kg, and Ag: 2.45 ± 3.15 mg/kg. However, the summary for metal trend at different depth was: 10 cm: As < Cd < Fe < Zn < Cu < Ni < Pb < Cr, 20 cm: As < Cd < Fe < Zn < Cu < Ni < Pb < Cr, 30 cm: As < Cd < Fe < Zn < Cu < Ni < Pb < Cr and at 40 cm: As < Cd < Fe < Zn < Cu < Ni < Cr < Pb and by depth was 40 cm > 30 cm > 10 cm > 20 cm except for As. Higher concentrations were shown compared to the control and target values of DPR. Principal component (PCA) and hierarchal cluster (HCA) analysis indicted automechanic activities as the source of these metals. Pollution models showed that the area is extremely polluted (> 5) with high ecological risks (> 150). Metals showed high non-carcinogenic health effects to both adult and children. Therefore, the reclaimed section should be avoided for now or be remediated before use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Chidi Edbert Duru, Christian Ebere Enyoh, Margaret Chinyelu Enedoh, Francis Chizoruo Ibe, Andrew Wirnkor Verla & Beniah Obinna Isiuku

  2. Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Ijeoma Akunna Duru

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  1. Chidi Edbert Duru
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Correspondence to Christian Ebere Enyoh.

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Duru, C.E., Enyoh, C.E., Enedoh, M.C. et al. Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Reclaimed Section of Nekede Mechanic Village, Owerri, Southeastern, Nigeria. Chemistry Africa 4, 429–441 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-020-00216-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-020-00216-6

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