Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Dumpsites in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

Speciation and distribution of heavy metals in soil controls the degree to which metals and their compounds are mobile, extractable, and plant available. Eight strategically located dumpsites in Ilorin metropolis (an averagely growing city and a state capital) were chosen for dumpsites-soil characteristics study. Both the estimated total and potentially available metals were studied using EPA 1311 and Tessier’s et al methods respectively. It was
observed that the groundwater is vulnerable to contamination as no treated basement to adsorb toxic metals was provided for in the sites. About 70% of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb were found in the exchangeable bound to carbonate and bound to iron/manganese oxide fractions. These fractions represent the mobile and lethal portion of the total metals to the ecosystem. The metal enrichment factor revealed that Zn, Cd and Pb were of anthropogenic source while Fe is of natural and anthropogenic sources. The dumpsites in Ilorin, therefore pose negative consequences on the soil and groundwater environment