Affiliation:
1. Kwara State University
Abstract
Abstract
Ecological risk profiles of heavy metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were assessed in soil from selected occupational workplaces in Ilorin, Nigeria. Soil samples from nine (9) occupational workplaces, - automobile workshops, wood and furniture, and metal & steel industries sites were collected randomly, composited and digested. Cadmium, Copper, Chromium, Iron and Lead were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The pollution status and ecological risk parameters were determined using standard models (Contamination Factor, Enrichment Factor, Geo-accumulation Index, Ecological Risk Factor and Potential Ecological Risk Index). For the determination of PAHs, soil samples were extracted using QUECHERS method. The cleaned extracts were analyzed for the presence of 16 EPA priority PAHs using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that Iron concentration ranged between (4807.20 ± 23.15 mg/kg -12031. ± 40.25 mg/kg) in soil samples from the nine (9) selected study areas which were higher than the World Health Permissible limit of (445 mg/kg). The concentration range of the other heavy metals from the nine (9) selected study areas are, Cadmium (1.15 ± 0.40 mg/kg − 1.98 ± 0.46 mg/kg), chromium (15.0 ± 1.52 mg/kg − 142.30 ± 50.55 mg/kg), Copper (17.85 ± 4.60 mg/kg – 85.20 ± 13.80mg/kg) and Lead (5.8 ± 4.20mg/kg – 27.0 ± 10.24 mg/kg) accordingly. The standard models revealed the study area to be moderately contaminated with heavy metals. The GC-MS result revealed that (0.53%) anthracene was detected in Egbejila automobile workshop. Aliphatic chain compounds such as (Dibutylpthalate, Di-n-octylpthalate and Bis (2-ethyl hexylpthalate) which could be traced to plastic products and automobile upholstery were also detected.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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