Characteristic levels of heavy metals in soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps in Nigeria

C. M. A Iwegbue (), N. O. Isirimah, C. Igwe and E. S. Williams
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C. M. A Iwegbue: Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology
N. O. Isirimah: Rivers State University of Science &Technology
C. Igwe: Rivers State University of Science &Technology
E. S. Williams: Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology

Environment Systems and Decisions, 2006, vol. 26, issue 2, 123-128

Abstract: Abstract The characteristic levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) of soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps were studied. The concentration of heavy metals decreased with the depth of the profile and lateral distance from the dumpsites. The levels found in this study exceeded background concentrations and limits for agricultural and residential purposes. The distribution pattern of heavy metals in the soil profiles were in the following order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr. The mechanic waste dumps represent potential sources of heavy metal pollution to environment. The elevated levels of heavy metals in these soil profiles constitute a serious threat to both surface and groundwater.

Keywords: Heavy metals; Soil profiles; Automobile mechanic; Waste dumps (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10669-006-7482-0

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