NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
EVALUATION OF LEAD, ZINC, CADMIUM, CHROMIUM, COPPER AND NICKEL CONTENTS IN WASTE DUMP AND ROADSIDE SEDIMENTS WITHIN ONITSHA AND ENVIRON, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.17.076.3 | Article Number: DE1BD83 | Vol.10 (3) - December 2011
Authors: Kaizer A. N. and Ochei N.
Keywords: Nigeria, Waste dump, Trace metal, soil, Onitsha
Lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel contents in waste dump and roadside sediments within Onitsha and environs were evaluated in the present study. Analysis of the magnitude of studied trace metals shows that their content in the waste dump were generally higher than those obtained from the roadside sediments. Analysis of the spatial distribution of trace metals in sediments around Onitsha shows that highest metal concentration of 0.19 mg/kg was found at the roadside near the dump site close to the Metallurgical Training Institute. High concentrations of metals in soils and waste dump sediments within the Onitsha metropolis are attributed to industrial and anthropogenic sources and are indicative of environmental pollution in Onitsha. It is therefore recommended that relevant authorities should step-up their waste treatment or disposal activities in order to minimize the hazards arising from indiscriminate dumping of wastes.
Abollino, O. M., Aceto, M., Malandrino, E., Mentasti, C., Sarzanini, I. and Petrella, F. (2002) Heavy metals in Agricultural soils from piedmont, Italy- istribution, specification and chemometric data treatment. Chemosphere 49:545-
557.
Kaizer, A. N. (2007a) Streambed sediment quality from some watersheds in Delta
state, Nigeria. Environmental Studies 3 (4): 33-38.
Kaizer, A. N. (2007b) Trace metal and hydrocarbon composition of soils in
Umutu and environs, Southwestern Nigeria. Science and Environment. 6: 140-146.
Kaizer, A. N. and Adaikpoh E. O. (2007):Trace metal levels in surfacewater and
soils within Afiesere oil field area, Southwestern Nigeria. Science and Environment 6: 1-9.
Kaizer, A. N. and Osakwe S. A. (2008) Water chemistry in the upper and middle
Ethiope River, Southwestern Nigeria. Science and Environment 6: 147-159.
Kogbe, C.A (1989) Geology of Nigeria. Rock View Ltd, 2nd Edition.
Mihaly-Cozmuta, A., Mihaly-Cozmuta, L., Viman, V., Vatca, G. and Varga, C.
(2005) Spectrometric methods used to determine heavy metals and total cyanides
in accidental polluted soils. American Journal of Applied Science 2:358-362.
Murat, R. C. (1970) Stratigraphy and palaeogeography of the cretaceous and lower
tertiary in southern Nigeria. In: Africa Geology (Dessauvagie, T.J.L and Whiteman, Eds). Ibadan University Press, Ibadan. Pp 252-266.
Nketim, E. E. U., Ekwere, S. J. and Ukpong, E. E. (1993) Heavy metal distribution
in sediments from Calabar River, Southeastern Nigeria. Geology. 21:237-241.
Reyment, R.A.(1965) Aspect of the geology of Nigeria. Ibadan University Press,
Ibadan.
Sridhar, M.K.C. and Bammeke, A. O. (1986) Heavy metal content of some
solid wastes in Ibadan, Nigeria. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 29: 51-56.
World Health Organization (2006) International standard for drinking water and
guidelines for water quality. World Health Organisation, Geneva.