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

Article Title: Identification of Sources of Heavy Metals Pollution in Road Deposited Sediments Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis
by Yisa, J.; Jacob, J. O. and Onoyima, C. C.

Abstract:
Heavy metals in road sediments have long term and far reaching environmental and health implications, and identification of the sources is the first step to taking mitigating measures. Assessment of toxic metals in the road sediments of Suleja streets was carried out. 30 samples were collected from seven selected streets. The road sediment samples were digested with a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4 (2:1 v/v), and analyzed for the metals Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Cd and Ni using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed that metal concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) were in the following range: Zn (35.00 - 350.00), Pb (5.33 - 115.56), Cu (2.71 - 171.76), Ni (10.00 - 40.00), Cd (2.50 - 66.00), Cr (6.79 - 34.71). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that Pb and Cr were related to traffic, metal-work stations in the area led to elevated levels of Cd and Ni, while Cu and Zn were from dual origin of vehicular and industrial emissions

Keywords: heavy metals, pollution, road deposited sediments, suleja streets, multivariate analysis

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