Continental J.

Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

©Wilolud Journals, 2010 http://www.wiloludjournal.com

HEAVY METALS POLLUTION IN SELECTED INDUSTRIAL LOCATIONS

K. E. Ayeni
Science Technology Department Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B 420, Offa.
E-mail:kikeyinka@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
The amounts of heavy metals pollution (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn) in selected industrial locations
were determined in the soil samples and vegetation at the refuse dump site and water samples nearest to the
refuse dump area. The five different locations used were:- Osogbo Steel Rolling, Osogbo; Okin Biscuit,
Ijagbo; Okin Malt, Offa; Global soap and Detergent Industry, Ilorin and International Breweries Limited
(IBL) Ilesha. The method used for the samples were acid digestion method to obtain a concentrate samples
followed by analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results showed that concentrations of
Mn, Fe and Pb were found to be highest in the soil samples, vegetations, and water samples collected from
Osogbo Steel Rolling. Concentrations of Fe, Zn, Pb and Mn were found to be higher in the samples of
Global Soap and detergent Industry followed by Okin Malt Offa, Okin Biscuit Ijagbo and IBL Ilesha had
the least values. Out of the three samples analyzed, concentrations for soils samples was observed to be the
highest followed by the vegetation and water samples had the least concentrations. Therefore, this study has
shown that the magnitude of pollution depends upon the distance from the refuse dump location, depth of
the underground water (for water samples) and the solubility of the metals.

KEYWORDS: pollution; solubility polythene; Transition metals; deionized water.

INTRODUCTION
Studies of heavy metals (Transition metals) have shown that many urban areas complexes, metallic ferrous mines
and major road systems contain anomalous high concentration of these elements (i.e. Fe, Cd, Zn, Cu, Co, Hg). In
particular soils in such region have been polluted from wide range of sources with various heavy metals; (Alloway
1990).

Pollution is defined as the introduction by man into the environment of substance or energy liable to cause hazard to
human health, harmful to living resources and ecological system, damage to structures or amenity or interference
with legitimate uses of the environment; (Holdgate 1990).

Atmospheric transport and deposition are important processes in the global cycling of trace metals; the atmospheric
flux of trace metals is a major component in both marine and terrestrial environment (Anderson et al 1998) The
essence of the research is to determine the presence of Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Fe, Cr, in some selected industrial
location (Bowen 1992).
(i) To determine the relative concentration in some selected water samples
(ii) To determine the relative concentrations of heavy metals in vegetation along the refuse dump area of
the industrial locations. (Brooke ., 1994)
(iii) Lastly to decide whether or not the concentrations are within the tolerable unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HEAVY METALS POLLUTION IN SELECTED INDUSTRIAL LOCATIONS
To avoid contamination of the sample, the container used for both collection of water and soil samples were
thoroughly clean, Black polythene bag was used in the collection of soil samples while plastic container of 1.5 litre
size was used for the collection of water samples.

To clean black polythene bags were dried at lower temperature while plastic container were washed thoroughly with
detergent and rinsed with water. 1.25ml HN03 and 1.25ml HCI was used to rinse the container respectively
followed by tap water at each interval. The container was finally rinsed with deionized water.

9
 K. E. Ayeni: Continental J. Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

The soil samples were collected from five different industrial locations of a refused dump viz: Osogbo Steel rolling,
Osogbo, Okin biscuit Ijagbo, Okin malt Offa, Global soap & detergent industry Ilorin; International Brewery
Limited, Ilesa (IBL).

The soil samples were collected at random by digging the soil to about 1meter at the specific refuse dumps. The
water samples were collected at different distance to each refuse dump at each location. The vegetations along the
area were also collected at each locations. The sources of water samples are (Stream, Well and Bore hole).
Doelman 1992

The pH and conductivity of the water samples were determined on the day of collection (within twenty-four hours)
so that the relative concentrations of all pertinent are the same in the samples when compared with the water being
sampled.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The collected soil samples were labeled to prevent mixing of samples. They were then dried separately in the sun
for about 14 days in order to remove the moisture content in the samples and also a prevent bacteria invasion.

CRUSHING (GRINDING) AND SIEVING

The collected dried soil samples were ground separately using a mortar and pestle and sieved with a 2mm sieve.
This is providing small molecules or fine particles of samples that fastened digestion process.

WEIGHING AND PREPARATION OF AQUA REGIA

Five grams of each of the fine dried soil samples was weighed using a Metler weighing balance. Concentrated
trioxonitrate (v) acids (HNO3), concentration hydrochloric acid (HCI) solution were prepared in the ratio 1:3 to
form an aqua regia.

DIGESTION OF THE SOIL SAMPLES

The weighed (5g) soil samples were transferred into the Kjeldhal flask. To the sample 20ml of aqua regia solution,
2ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide and anti bombing granules were added. The mixture was subjected to heat by using
heating mantle at highest temperature. This process was continuously repeated until a clear yellowish solution was
observed which confirmed the complete digestion of the soil sample.

The sample was then filtered using a glass funnel and filter paper and diluted to 50cm3 by using 50ml of distilled
water.

DIGESTION OF THE WATER SAMPLES

The water samples were also digested by measure 100ml of the homogenous suspension into 500ml beaker, 1ml of
concentrated HNO3 was added. This mixture was then transferred into kjedahl flask and evaporated to about 1/3 of
its original volume (15 to 20ml) on a heating mantle. This digestion is to achieve a concentrated solution.

The evaporated solution was allowed to cool to room temperature after which 1ml concentrated HNO3, 20ml aqua
regia were added respectively. The solution was then evaporated on a hot plate (in an open air) until dense white
fumes is achieved on a cooling the solution

2NO2(g) N2O4(g)

In some of the samples which were not clear during the first heating 2ml HNO3 was added and evaporated, repeated
until N2O4 fumes appear on cooling (the absence of brownish fumes in the flask indicated completed removal of all
HNO3 on the solution).

10
 K. E. Ayeni: Continental J. Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

The resulting clear solution was cooled to room temperature and diluted carefully to about 10ml with distilled water.
It was then heated to boiling to dissolve slowly soluble salts. This solution was then filtered into a cleaned sample
bottles (vials).

Similarly, the digestion of vegetation along the refused dump area was also carried out and the resulting clear
solution was also filtered into a clean sample bottles. The content of the samples were then used for analysis (both
soil, water and vegetation). (Galloway 1993)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table one shows the pH result of the water that is obtained from the undigested samples.

TABLE 1: pH result of the water that is obtained from the undigested samples
SAMPLE LOCATION SAMPLES CODE pH VALUE
Osogbo Steel Rolling A 5.73
Okin Biscuit Ijagbo B 5.57
Okin Malt Offa C 5.53
Global Soap and Detergent D 5.83
(IBL) Ilesha E 5.43

Since the pH of WHO standard for drinking water is between the range of 6.5 – 9.0, all these water samples were not
desirable for drinking. The reason for this is not far fetched, it is due to their lower pH value.

TABLE 2: The Table Two shows the conductivity obtained from the undigested sample

SAMPLE LOCATION SAMPLES CODE Conductivity (Ώ)

Osogbo Steel Rolling A 8.2 x 100
Okin Biscuit Ijagbo B 7.3 x 10
Okin Malt Offa C 7.2 x 10
Global Soap and Detergent D 1.85 x 100
(IBL) Ilesha E 7.25 x 10

Conductivity can only take place between electrons and ion in the case of metals and electrolytic solution
respectively. Therefore, when an electric field is impressed on the metal the electron migrate and thereby carry
negative electric charge through the metal. The positive ions experience a force in one direction and the negative
ions experience a force in the opposite direction. The simultaneous of both ion constitutes the electrolytic current.
This can be measured in micro per Ohms (MΏ-1). One can easily see that all the water have measurable amount of
conductivity. Osogbo steel rolling water has the highest conductivity value thus high metal pollution.

TABLE 3: Heavy metal concentration in water sample from selected industrial locations (ppm)
Industrial Sample Cd Pb Hg Cu Ni Zn Fe Mn
location
Osogbo Steel A 0.75 0.98 - 0.01 - 1.88 6.20 0.79
Rolling
Okin Biscuit B 0.56 0.95 - - - 1.66 5.82 0.65
Ijagbo
Okin Malt Offa C 0.39 0.82 - 0.05 - 1.68 5.75 0.57
Global Soap & D 0.39 0.73 - 0.06 - 1.60 5.74 0.43
Detergent
(IBL) Ilesha E 0.37 0.90 - 0.04 - 1.56 5.28 0.39

11
 K. E. Ayeni: Continental J. Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

TABLE 4: Heavy metal concentration (mg/g) dry weight in soil sample from selected industrial locations of refuse
dump

Industrial Sample code Cd Pb Cu Zn Fe Mn

locations
Osogbo Steel F 7.20 30.50 1.28 21.50 470 57.15
Rolling
Okin Biscuit G 6.20 10.60 2.60 15.00 450 59.15
Ijagbo
Okin Malt Offa H 6.40 11.60 2.56 15.68 460 60.05
Global Soap & I 6.25 10.33 3.80 18.78 450 60.52
Detergent
(IBL) Ilesha J 5.68 13.85 2.36 14.76 410 53.28

Table 5: Heavy metal concentration (ppm) vegetation from selected industrial locations of refuse dump
Industrial Sample code Cd Pb Cu Zn Fe Mn
locations
Osogbo Steel K 5.10 6.25 1.02 6.26 20.65 11.08
Rolling
Okin Biscuit L 4.18 7.31 1.21 5.80 16.64 9.02
Ijagbo
Okin Malt Offa M 5.11 7.30 1.10 6.42 20.22 11.00
Global Soap & N 5.10 7.13 1.80 6.01 20.18 10.82
Detergent
(IBL) Ilesha O 4.20 8.10 1.20 5.65 15.48 8.96

TABLE 6: Some Examples of World Health Organization Guideline For Drinking Water Quality
METALS ACTION LEVEL (ppm)
CADMIUM 0.005
MERCURY 0.00008
COPPER 1.000
ZINC 5.000
MANGANESE 0.100
LEAD 0.050
IRON 0.0005

DISCUSSION
Iron concentration was observed to be the highest for all samples collected viz. Osogbo Steel roling, Okin Biscuit
Ijagbo, Okin Malt Offa, Global Soap and Detergent and IBL Ilesha industrial area. In table 4 it was found that iron
recorded its highest concentration on samples got from Osogbo Steel Rolling (i.e. 470 mg/g dry weight). This may
be due to the dumping of iron scrap from the industry, unused body vehicles, tin can etc. and for the fact that each
soil samples differs in the retention capacity of heavy metal, thus retention capacity can be considered as one of the
factors that contributed to the highest value of iron in this site of location. Soils samples collected from Okin malt
Offa, recorded (460 mg/g dry weight) followed by Okin biscuit and Global soap and detergent industrial area land
IBL Ilesha with the total of (450, 450, 410) mg/g dry weight respectively.

NICKEL AND MERCURY

The fact that no nickel and mercury were detected in the samples does not mean that nickel and mercury were not
present in the samples. This may be due to the inability of the AAS to detect nickel and mercury at the very low
concentration. (Key 1997)

12
 K. E. Ayeni: Continental J. Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

ZINC
Samples collected from Osogbo steel rolling and Global soap and detergent industry recorded the highest amount of
zinc (21.50, 18.78) mg/g respectively. The source may be due to the discarded zinc sheets of worn out motor
vehicles and spare parts of cars in general. (Holdgate 1990)

MANGANESE
The amount of manganese is also high in all samples. Highest manganese concentration was got from soil sample
collected from Global Soap and Detergent Industry area. This may be due to exposure of the soil of Manganese
source which is predominant at this particular refuse dump.

The lowest manganese concentration was got from IBL Ilesha. This might be due to the fact that soil at this refuse
dump are not expose to manganese source like that of Global Soap and Detergent Industry.

From Table (3) and (5), there is evidence that the rate of pollution depends on the distance, the depth of the stream,
well or bore hole water from the refuse dump and the solubility of the metal.

Iron, manganese, lead, Cadmium and zinc can be seen to be present in all sampling locations in varying
concentration. The reason for this is not far fetched. During rainfall, most of these metals in the particular refuse
dump are dissolved in soil and are carried along with other metals such as copper, which are present in the soil into
the vegetation (plant) and the ground water (Harold 1997), Elinger 2002.

The exception of copper in some location might be due to over usage of this source of water for domestic use by the
people since most of the wells and streams are dried during dry season. (Allison 1997)

Table 6 shows the standard concentration that should be present in drinking water, above which the water may be
regarded as unfit for drinking.

A comparism of the World Health Organisation VI to the data in table (3) shows that Cadmium, lead, manganese
and iron are above tolerable limit. The ranges of which are Cadmium (0.37 – 0.75) ppm, lead (0.73 – 0.98) ppm,
iron (5.28 – 6.20) ppm, and manganese (0.39 – 0.79) ppm which shows that water are heavily polluted. Thus the
community that depends on these sources for drinking water are in danger and are prone to disease associated with
Cadmium, lead, manganese and iron poisoning.

The concentration of copper and zinc are within tolerable limits hence no harmful effect. However, the level of iron
should not raised because excess iron is stored in the liver and spleen, as ferritin while certain forms of anaemia are
caused by iron deficiency in the body.

RECOMMENDATION
Based on the result obtained from project works, the government should encourage citing of refuse dump in an area
far away from the living communities. Also they should take proper care of each refuse sites so that the rate of
pollution will be minimized.

Analysis of agricultural land should be carried out, particularly in an area close to refuse dump, to know the amount
of heavy metals in soil that will be suitable for plant growth. By doing this the risk of toxic heavy metals like lead
and cadmium would be reduced drastically from entering the food chain.

CONCLUSION
Soil and water contaminated environment with metals both toxic and non toxic has received a little attention in the
scientific literature. Although no essential trace metal is not toxic if they are taken in excess. Thus, environmental
pollution is a continuous process and the rate of contamination is proportional to the level of industrialization of the
country and the level of the refuse dump sited near the well developed towns.

13
 K. E. Ayeni: Continental J. Renewable Energy 1: 9 - 14, 2010

REFERENCES
Allison Butts and Wesles W. Werdlandt, (1997): Copper In: MC Graw Hill Encyclopaedia of Science and
Technology, PG. 399 – 400.

Alloway B.J. (1990) Heavy Metals in Soils Department of Geography, Queenmary and Nest-Field College,
University of London.

Anderson P.R. and T.H. Christensen (1998). The Distribution Coefficient OF CD, CO, NI AND ZN IN Soils.
Journals OF SOIL SCI. 39, 15.

Bowen H.J.M. (1992) Environmental Chemistry of the Element of Metals Academic Press, London.

Brooke P.C. and S.P. MC Grath (1994) Effect of Metal Toxicity on the size of the soil Journals of Soil SCI. 35,
341.

Doelman J.J. (1992) Soil Contamination with PB, Environmental SCI. Tech 12, 429.

Elinger G. E. (2002), Cadmium and Health; A Survey International J. of Environmental Studies 19, 187-192.

Galloway E.T. and T.G. Sicama (1993) Acid Deposition and Forest decline Env. Sci. Tech 17, 299A – 299A.

Harold H. Mitchel and Ralph Engle, (1997) IRON Metabolism in Mc-Graw Hill Encyclopaedia of Science and
Technology 4, 412-414.

Holdgate M.W. (1990) Environmental Pollution in Soil. A Perspective of Environmental Pollution Cambridge
University Press Cambridge.

Key A. (1997) Water Pollution, a World-Wide Problem in Report on the Water Pollution Seminar. Dublin Institute
of Civil Engineers, Ireland.

14