Atmospheric dristribution of traffic heavy metals at temu-interchange, Epe Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The Atmospheric distribution of traffic heavy metals is a dynamic process that involves the emission of various pollutants released from vehicular traffic. It has affected both human and plants around Temu-interchange hence, the need to characterized the emissions. The objective of the study was determined concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) and Enrichment Factor (EF) depending on the traffic emission. The research was conducted using deposition method. The study area and the control experiment were conducted simultaneously for a period of thirty (30) days between December 2022-January 2023 (Dry Season). Samples were prepared and deposition fluxes (DF) were determined. The particulates were taken to the Central Research Laboratory, Tanke in Ilorin for characterization using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. EF was also determined. Thirteen elements Fe, Ag, Cd, Zn, Sn, Ti, In, Co, Mn, Pd, Rh and Ru were characterized from the samples collected at the study area while Twenty-one Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, As, Zr, Sr, Pb, W, Po and Ac elements were characterized from the samples collected at the control unit of the experiment. The EF of the detected elements both in the study area and in the control, experiment was determined. Five elements in the study area were moderately enriched, while elements such as S, Cl and Zn were highly enriched in the control unit. An indication of anthropogenic activities particularly traffic emission influence within the area hence, a clean-up of the study area is highly recommended.