International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2568

Full Length Research Paper

Heavy metals in street soil dusts of industrial market in Enugu, South East, Nigeria

Nwachukwu R. Ekere* and Okiri P. Ukoha
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.  
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 22 January 2013
  •  Published: 30 January 2013

Abstract

Analysis of some heavy metals present in soil dusts of Industrial Market in Enugu, South East Nigeria was carried out. Soil dust samples were collected from five different sections in the market and a control sample was collected 500 m away from the market. The samples were analyzed after aqua regia digestion with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for Lead, Iron, Nickel, Copper and Cadmium. The result showed a variation, which indicated that concentration of Fe > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni. The levels of some of these metals were higher than the recommended allowable limit for such metals in soil by regulating agencies. 

 

Key words: Soil dust, contamination, industrial market, pollution index, enrichment coefficient.