Effect of Activities at the Gboko Abattoir on Some Physical Properties and Heavy Metals Levels of Surrounding Soil

Abstract

<p>The study determined the levels of some heavy metals and pH, organic matter and particle size distribution of soil within the vicinity of Gboko abattoir. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results of AAS analysis of the heavy metals showed that the soil had mean value of Zn²⁺ 3.0195 ppm, Pb²⁺ 0.5413 ppm, Ni²⁺ 0.1949 ppm, Cr³⁺ 0.1134 ppm and Cd²⁺ 0.0185 ppm. These values were higher than similar results obtained from the control soil but the mean levels of the metals were lower than the permissible limits set by the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources (NDPR) and European Union (EU) respectively. The soil heavy metals were positively correlated. The mean pH of the soil (6.03) indicates acidity, the organic matter was very high and the particle size distribution revealed sandy-loam texture. The results of the analysis showed some levels of pollution which indicated that the activities at the abattoir were contributing to the pollution load of soil in the environment. It is therefore, recommended that the activities at the abattoir should be monitored closely by relevant agencies in order to prevent full-blown environmental problems in the near future and avert the attendant health hazards.</p

Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Contents in Soils and Cassava Plants from Farmlands along A Major Highway in Delta State, Nigeria

“…The range of values obtained in this study is lower than those reported by Zakir et al, (2014), Ojo et al, (2015); but higher than the levels reported by Nwachukwu et al, (2013), Ubwa et al, (2013). Zinc is also the second most abundant metal obtained in this study.…”

“…These values are higher than those reported by Okoye and Egila (2012); Iwegbue et al, (2013); Ubwa et al, (2013), Idugbose et al, (2014); but lower than the values reported by Ferronato et al, (2013); Zakir et al, (2014). According to Al-Rhashman (2007), chromium level in road side soil is associated with the chromic plating of some vehicle parts used for…”

Assessment of physico-chemical parameters of Tsaeda Agam River in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

“…The high BOD value recorded in Site 2 could be an indication of organic pollution due to the loads of wastes from the market place. Similarly, other findings also showed that a high level of BOD causes to decrease the value of dissolved oxygen in the river [33].…”

Physicochemical and Mineral Compositions of Wastewater and Soils from Two Selected Abattoirs in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

“…Most metals do not undergo microbial or chemical degradation and their total concentration in soils persist for a long time after introduction (Agyarko et al, 2010). Their persistence in soil may lead to increase up-take by plants and vegetables grown in the area and subsequent risk of transfer through the food chain to humans (Ubwa et al, 2013). The high level of iron could be as a result of the abattoir wastes, rusted pipes tanks and metals for water storage and accumulation of deposit in the distribution system.…”

“…Cadmium in excess causes renal dysfunction, bronchitis, gastric and intestinal disorders, liver and brain disorders (Dara, 2000). The release of the abattoir waste water into the soil and its permeability makes it to allow large quantities of contaminants and leachetes pass through it and thus having the potential of contaminating surrounding underground water (Ubwa et al, 2013).…”