VERTICAL AND LATERAL DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AFFECTED BY INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL WASTES IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Abstract: The distribution of some selected heavy metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Nickel, Chromium, and Iron) of five undisturbed soil profiles in Port Harcourt Metropolis affected by industrial and municipal wastes was assessed vertically and laterally, to ascertain the nature and extent of contamination, mobility particularly with respect to distance from the impact point, depth in the soil profile, and chemical form of metal in the soil. It was found that the concentration of the metals in the top-soil (0-5cm) at each site within impact point was very high. However, levels of these metals decreased with distance, with all metals reaching background levels at 100m away which show little relation to the metal loading at the surface horizon. Samples taken deeper in the profiles (30-60cm) nearly devoid of organic matter did not show elevated metal levels compared with the sites 100m away from the source. High concentration of heavy metals at the impact points of the study area could cause adverse effects on plant quality and yield, and also on human health.

Keywords: Distribution; Heavy metals; Soils; Wastes.

Title: VERTICAL AND LATERAL DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AFFECTED BY INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL WASTES IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Author: ONWUGBUTA, GODPOWER CHUKWUEMEKA, GODSON NNAMDI JOHN

International Journal of Recent Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences (IJRRIS)

ISSN 2350-1049

Vol. 9, Issue 4, October 2022 - December 2022

Page No: 25-33

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published Date: 28-December-2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7489030

Paper Download Link (Source)

https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/VERTICAL%20AND%20LATERAL%20DISTRIBUTION-28122022-7.pdf