Index Models Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination and Pollution in Waste Dumpsite Soils within Gusau Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria

Authors: Murana KA, Shuaibu AM, Ajibade II

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Soil pollution is a worldwide phenomenon which results from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This research assesses the metal pollution and influences from the toxic metals in the sediments from the waste dumps within Gusau, Northwestern Nigeria. Thirty five (35) points were assessed from three wastes dumpsites (Hira Dekodi, Gangere Yarima and Bebeji area) using portable XRF equipment for the in-situ testing. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and environmental pollution index models. The data showed mean concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed in the following order Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni. The mean concentrations of the three metals (Pb, Zn and Cu) exceeded their average crustal abundance, which is an indication of possible contamination. Environmental pollution models applied to the geochemical dataset reveal Zn, Pb and Cu as considerable/moderately contaminated which generally indicated severe potential contamination in the investigated area. Other metals such as Mn, Cr, Ni and Fe showed low contamination factors. However, from the results of geoaccumulation/ ecological risk index of the heavy metals, the study areas are unpolluted and indicated low ecological risk factors. The chemical assay reveals positive significant relationship between Cu, Pb, Mn and Fe while Cr shows positive significant relationship with Mn, Fe and Cu. However, Zn shows significant level of relationship only to Mn. Virtually all the heavy metals show significant correlation to each other. This reveals their similar sources of enrichment, which might not be unconnected to the weathering/bed rock dissolution and anthropogenic sources.

Download Full Text