CONCENTRATION, STATUS AND POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF SOIL POTENTIALLY TOXIC METALS

ABSTRACT

Sand mining operations have garnered significant environmental attention, primarily due to concerns regarding the presence and distribution of potentially toxic metals. This study investigates the concentration, status, and pollution levels of potentially toxic metals in soils of sand mining sites in Benin City, Nigeria, offering valuable insights into soil response. The objectives of the study were to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the concentration, status and degree of potentially toxic metals in the study area. Twelve soil samples were collected and analyzed using standard operative procedures, and statistical analysis. The results were compared with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) standards, soils were found to generally fall within permissible limits. The Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF) values were employed to assess contamination levels. The study revealed that Cd exhibited moderate pollution when compared with the geoaccumulation index (Class III; 1-2 Igeo) and high contamination using the contamination factor (3≤CF < 6), while Cu, Pb, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn (Class I; 0 Igeo) (CF < 1) demonstrated low or no contamination in the study area. These findings indicate that potentially toxic metal contamination in the soils of the study area was not extensive. The study recommends regular monitoring of the soils of the study area in order to identify possible high levels of Cd in soils.