Evaluation of Heavy Metals' Concentrations in Sand Deposits along Heavy Traffic Areas in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Roadside sand deposits are common menaces on our roads within the cities of Nigeria, especially as they become air-borne due to heavy human and vehicular traffic as well as natural factors such as wild wind. Ten heavy locations were identified and samples collected and analyzed for 9 heavy metals: Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) in Port Harcourt City. Analysis was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft excel 2010. Results from the analyses show that all identified sample points are loaded with significant amounts of all the metals investigated at environmentally unacceptable levels. Iron was identified in triple digits in all sample points. Cadmium and lead were found to be significantly high so are other metals with respect to Who (1984) and FEPA (2003) regulations. These concentrations may be directly translated to the bioavailability of these metals which have very strong toxicological implications of these metals in the environment. Therefore, the present practice of sweeping roadside of sand deposits is obviously not effective especially at the junctions which are hardly attended due the heavy vehicular and human traffic.