Investigation of Heavy Metal Presence and Concentration in Soils Around Selected Quarries in the FCT, Abuja

Abstract

This paper investigates the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the soils around selected quarry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Investigation of soils around quarry sites was carried out to assess the presence and concentrations of some heavy metals in the soils. It involves the collection of soil samples between the depth of 15-30cm. the soil samples were digested, and a Thermo Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure the concentrations of Cadmium, chromium, zinc, copper and lead metals. The result shows the presence of Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) heavy metals in quarry soils; at significant concentration levels within the quarry site at 0.05 percent level of probability, using one-way ANOVA. The heavy metals were at higher concentrations in the soils around the quarry sites while the control site recorded lower concentrations. Heavy metals concentration at the quarry sites falls within the acceptable limit of World Health Organization standards except for Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn). The study recommends the need for proper regulation of quarrying activities especially as it relates to the establishment of quarries in areas of predominant existence of economic trees, especially the edible ones, amongst other recommendations.