Heavy metal levels in Sokoto metropolis as a result of local production of aluminium utensils

Abstract

Assessment of the levels of heavy metal pollution due to production of local aluminum articles have been carried out. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method of analysis was used for the determination of Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb, while ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) back titration with ZnSO₄ was used for Al. Results show that the various concentration obtained follows the order, Al > Cu > Fe> Mn > Ni > Cr > Pd. Although, the concentrations of the metals were found to be generally low and fall below the threshold limit, continued discharge without regulation could cause future problem.

Key words: Heavy metal, aluminium utensils, pollution, Sokoto.