TRACE METALS CONCENTRATION IN ROADSIDE DUSTS OF ILORIN TOWN

摘要

Concentration of heavy metals (iron, lead, manganese, zinc, chromium and copper) were determined in road side soil samples collected from some major roads within Ilorin and its environs using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Concentration of iron was found to be the highest in the samples collected, followed by manganese, lead, chromium, zinc and copper in that order. Although, the main source of these heavy metals is the exhaust from motor vehicles. Other sources such as road side deposition of motor engine oil, battery wastes, car tyres, use of metal containing pesticides to protect road side grasses, trees and flowers, the presence of iron benders, welders and electricians discharging metals with the environment and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roadside could also contribute significantly.