Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Concentrations of Trace Metals in Axonopus Compressus Within an Abandoned Steel Industry Environment
by Ukpong, E. G., Udosen, E.D., Asuquo, J. E., and Etim, E. E

Abstract:
This work is aimed at investigating the levels of some trace metals in Axonopus compressus within the abandoned Qua-Steel Industry environment. Ten metals (Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Al, Co, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu) were analyzed using Unicam Solar 969 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (A.A.S). Levels of these trace metals in the industrial environment were generally higher than those from the control site, suggesting that the activities of steel production and other manufacturing processes which took place when the industry was operational, contributed to the observed higher levels in the industrial environment. The average concentrations of Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Al, Co, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu, in the plant (Axonopus compressus) samples were 257.31+_40.75 mg/kg; 8.53+_3.62 mg/kg; 2.41+_1.18 mg/kg; 60.80+_19.18 mg/kg; 21.85+_15.40 mg/kg; 1.73+_1.20 mg/kg; 0.25+_0.24 mg/kg; 2.39+_2.01 mg/kg; 33.74+_20.28 mg/kg; and 130.89+_33.72 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr and Cu in the plant (Axonopus compressus) were significantly high to cause environmental concern as their concentrations exceeded the tolerable limits. Adverse effects of these trace metals in the environment are discussed. Remediation of the polluted environment and suspension of all agricultural activities in the abandoned Qua-Steel Industry environment are recommended

Keywords: axonopus compressus, trace metals, steel industry, pollution

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