Journal of
Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology

  • Abbreviation: J. Environ. Chem. Ecotoxicol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-226X
  • DOI: 10.5897/JECE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 197

Full Length Research Paper

The use of spider webs for environmental determination of suspended trace metals in industrial and residential areas

Ayedun H.
  • Ayedun H.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal polytechnic Ilaro, P. M. B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Adewole A.
  • Adewole A.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal polytechnic Ilaro, P. M. B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Osinfade B. G.
  • Osinfade B. G.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal polytechnic Ilaro, P. M. B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Ogunlusi R. O.
  • Ogunlusi R. O.
  • Department of Chemistry, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria
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Umar B. F.
  • Umar B. F.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal polytechnic Ilaro, P. M. B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Rabiu S. A.
  • Rabiu S. A.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal polytechnic Ilaro, P. M. B. 50 Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
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  •  Accepted: 24 January 2013
  •  Published: 28 February 2013

Abstract

 

Spider webs were collected from industrial and residential areas in order to establish the level of suspended heavy metals in the atmosphere. The spider webs were treated with nitric acid and digested before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentration value of some heavy metals were found to be significantly high at p < 0.05 in suspended particles in industrial areas namely, Lead (Pb) 0.53 ± 0.09 and Cadmium (Cd) 0.15 ± 0.05 µgg-1, respectively. The mean concentration values of Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) were not significantly different from industrial, residential and control sites. It was found that, the concentration of heavy metals decreases as the web samples were collected further away from the road.

 

Key words: Metals, spider, webs, indicator, environment.