Distribution of Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals at Automobile Mechanic Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to assess physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels at automobile mechanic workshop dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Three dumpsites situated at, Port Harcourt, were sampled in the present study. Physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were monitored in soil samples from the dumpsites situated at Elekahia, Rumeme and Eleme, following standard protocols. The mean values of pH, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, alkalinity, TPH, Cr, Cd, Fe, Pb and Mg in the soil ranged from 6.1-7.3, 163.8 mg/kg-238.33 mg/kg, 15.76 mg/kg-16.233 mg/kg, 106.67 mg/kg-144.67 mg/kg, 88.33 mg/kg-399.23 mg/kg, 8502.41-9391.58 mg/kg, 0.169 mg/kg-0.282 mg/kg, 0.256 mg/kg-0.386 mg/kg, 3.327 mg/kg-3.519 mg/kg, and 0.137 mg/kg-0.19 mg/kg and 0.18 mg/kg-0.24 mg/kg, respectively. Soil pH, alkalinity, potassium, nitrogen and TPH were above WHO maximum safe limits. The study recommended among others that the government and other environmental agencies should organise programmes to educate automobile technicians on global best practices of waste management in the automobile industry.