Heavy Metals Contamination of Topsoil in the Vicinities of Auto-Repair Workshops, Gas Stations and Motor-Parks in a Nigerian City

Abstract

Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu,Cr, Co and Ni were determined in topsoil obtained from vicinities of auto-repair workshops, gas-stations and motor-parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The levels were elevated above background concentrations in control sites. Lead and copper were the most significant contaminants, and the degree of contamination was highest in auto-repair workshops. Factors of accumulation for Pb and Cu were: auto-repair workshops: Pb - 95.8, Cu - 117; gas stations: Pb - 46.6, Cu - 33.5; motor-parks: Pb - 31.6, Cu - 16.8. For Zn, Cd, Cr, Co and Ni, the factors of accumulation were much lower and did not vary much among the three study areas. Average values for all locations were: Zn - 5.2, Cd - 4.4, Cr - 3.7, Co - 1.5, Ni - 1.7. Improper disposal of waste lubricants is the likely source of high copper contamination.