Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project focused on the physicochemical properties and assessment of trace metal levels in soils at the mechanic village in Uyo metropolis, Uyo. The study aimed to investigate the potential impact of anthropogenic activities on soil quality in the mechanic village area, particularly in relation to trace metal contamination. Soil samples were collected from various locations within the mechanic village and analyzed for physicochemical properties such as pH, organic matter content, and texture. Additionally, the concentrations of trace metals including lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper were determined using standard analytical methods. The results of the study indicated that the soils in the mechanic village area were slightly acidic to neutral in pH, with organic matter content varying across the sampling sites. The texture of the soils was predominantly sandy loam. In terms of trace metal levels, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the recommended limits set by regulatory bodies for agricultural soils. Zinc and copper levels were within permissible limits but showed variations across the sampling sites. Overall, the findings suggest that the mechanic village area in Uyo metropolis is potentially contaminated with trace metals, which may have implications for environmental and human health. The presence of elevated levels of lead and cadmium in the soils raises concerns about possible sources of contamination, likely from activities related to automobile repair and maintenance in the mechanic village. These metals are known for their toxic effects on living organisms, and their presence in soils can pose risks to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of regular monitoring and assessment of soil quality in urban areas with high anthropogenic activities to prevent and mitigate potential environmental risks. Implementing soil remediation measures and adopting pollution control strategies are essential steps to safeguarding soil health and minimizing the adverse effects of trace metal contamination. Further research is recommended to investigate the specific sources of trace metal pollution in the mechanic village area and to assess the extent of contamination in surrounding environmental media such as water and air.

Project Overview

Trace metals are chemical elements found in all kinds of soils and arePredominant in soils with density greater than 5g/dm3 (Freedman, 1996). The very low general level of their content in soils and plants as well as the biological role of most of them makes them microelements. (Lacatusu, 1998). Assessment of trace metal levels in soils around various industries have been a major concern over the years, due to increased industrial activities as well as poor waste management. The levels of lead, copper, cadmium, nickel, and so on have been chosen as representative metals for which their concentration in the environment may be used as a reliable index of environmental pollution.

              Among the various toxic substances released through industrial activities, trace metals have been seen as a key marker because they can be analysed effectively and consistently in most environmental matrices. These inorganic pollutants are not degradable by natural processes unlike their organic counterpart, which degrade to less harmful components as a result of biological or chemical processes. Hence the efforts of trace metal pollution on local environments in close proximity to these industrial areas may therefore be substantial and long lasting inspite of extensive remediation efforts. (Amiard, Meyer 1995).

In addition, increased automobile repair activities in Nigeria as a result of excessive inflow of used tokunbo vehicles into the country has contribute significantly to the problem of soil contamination in most cities. The waste oil used for cleaning machine parts during servicing, the grease used for lubrication, metal scraps as well as used batteries are indiscriminately discarded on soils by automobile Engineers. The metals from these sources gets into the soil matrix and are taken up by plants in amounts that has detrimental effects on people or animals that consumes these plants. The problem of trace metal pollution is not restricted to Nigeria alone, in most parts of the world, large amount of trace metal have been directly discharged to nearby lands as well as surface water where food crops are grown and animals are reared, and human beings feed on these things. This activity adversely affects the quality of air, soil and ground water, in such a way that it becomes a subject of serious concern worldwide.