The impact of man’s activities on the heavy metals levels in soils in Wuse District, Abuja, Nigeria

Levels of heavy metals in soils from Wuse District, Abuja were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in order to assess the impact of human activities on soil as well as the atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory. The pH of the soil samples collected were found to be in the range 6.34- 8.67. Concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cd were determined in 15 different sites in Wuse District classified as high and low traffic density areas. The concentrations were measured by A.A.S. The study focuses on the levels of Pb, Ni, and Cd in order to assess the impact of man`s activities in the environment by using soil as indicator. Most of the soil samples analyzed showed pH=7 and only a few samples were tending towards alkaline pH. The metal levels obtained were 180 ± 62.56 ppm for Pb; 9.22 ± 4.0 ppm for Ni and 0.26 ± 0.02 ppm for Cd respectively. Pb showed significant correlation to high vehicle traffic density. The levels of metal contents obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry varied accordingly: cluster I; ranged from 119 to 141 ppm with mean values 129 ± 90 ppm for Pb; 0.23 to 0.40 ppm with mean values 0.3 ± 0.6 ppm for Cd and 6.3 to 21.3 ppm with mean values 7.7 ± 6.8 ppm for Ni. Cluster II; ranged from 128 to 184 ppm with mean values 165 ± 25.7 ppm for Pb; 0.13 to 0.25 ppm with mean values 0.18 ± 0.05 ppm for Cd and 5.25 to 9.75 ppm with mean values 7.7 ± 2.97 ppm for Ni. Cluster III; ranged from 150 to 241 ppm with mean values 207 ± 23.8 ppm for Pb; 0.22 to 0.33 ppm with mean values 0.24 ± 0.06 ppm for Cd and 3.25 to 13.90 ppm with mean values 8.09 ± 3.76 ppm for Ni respectively. The results of the study area reveals that the levels of metals obtained in both high and low traffic areas are linked to man`s activities in the area. Though, the metal status are not yet high. In conclusion therefore, are considered comparatively safe and may not be a cause of concern for environmental pollution. But increase in man`s activities could pose a significant health risk to humans in the near future in Abuja, being the fastest growing cities in Africa

Author(s): 1Azeh, Yakubu, 1Umar. M. Tanko and 2Sani, M. Dangoggo

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