Assessment of soil-pollution by slag from an automobile battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed heavy metals pollution of soil by slag from an automobile battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria to ascertain the potential danger they pose on the environment. 84 soil samples were randomly collected at 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm depths from the premises of the plant and an uncontaminated site as control for both dry and wet seasons. Samples were analyzed for lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel using standard analytical methods. Lead level in soil ranged from 243 to 126000 mg/kg on the premises of the manufacturing plant with about 98% of all soil samples analyzed having levels higher than 400 mg/kg permissible level for Pb in soil. Lead levels for both seasons and depths were statistically comparable (p > 0.05). Cadmium, chromium and nickel were
within the permissible limits in soil. Speciation of Pb showed about 89% Pb in non residual phases implying high availability to ecological materials. Soil within the company’s premises and the environs needs to be urgently cleaned up.

Key words: Heavy metals, automobile-battery, speciation, slag, pollution.