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

Abstract:
Concentrations of lead, copper and zinc in roadside topsoil of two major cities (Minna and Bida) in Niger State, Nigeria were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry technique. Mean contents for all sample locations were 53+_33mgkg-1, 15 +_ 5.0mgkg-1, and 53 +_ 32mgkg-1 for lead, copper and zinc respectively; these values were higher than the background levels measured in control soil samples, thereby indicating some extent of contamination. The findings of this study have also shown that there is still need for constant monitoring of heavy metal levels in roadside topsoil of developing countries in order to assess their possible potential hazard to life and environment.

Keywords: developing nation, heavy metals, pollution, soil, vehicular emission

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