Greener Journal of Physical Sciences

Greener Journal of  Physical Sciences Vol. 2 (1), pp. 016-019, January, 2012.

ISSN: 2276-7851 © 2012 Greener Journals

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: GJPS1201

Content and Distribution of Heavy Metals in an Abandoned Mechanic and Non-Mechanic Sites in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria.

*Njoku C. and Ngene P.N

 

Department of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Ebonyi State University
P.M.B. 053 Abakalilki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author. Email: chimarco2001@ yahoo. com

Abstract:

An experiment was carried out to determine and compare the depth content and distribution of heavy metals in abandoned mechanic and non-mechanic sites in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from a pit at 0 – 20 cm, 20 – 40 cm, 40 – 60 cm and 60 – 80 cm depth in each sites and analysed for Hg, Pb, Fe and Cd. The results showed that abandoned mechanic site recorded higher contents of the heavy metals studied than non-mechanic site. Lead, Fe and Cd were within the normal range in the two sites studied while Hg where above the normal in ranged in all the sites studied. Similarly, apart from Hg which increased with an increase in depth in the two sites studied, all the other heavy metals did not show any fixed pattern of distribution with depth. From the results, abandoned mechanic site is a source of heavy metals in the soil and care should be taking while working in such sites to avoid contacting health problems associated to heavy metals.
 
Key Words: Depth, heavy metals, mechanic site, pit and toxic

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