Topsoil Contamination by Heavy Metals from a Local Brass Industrial Area of Nigeria

Abstract

Contents of Cu, Zn and Pb in top soils of the vicinity of a local brass industrial site within a residential area in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria were determined. The obtained results from the soils of the vicinity of the local brass indus- trial site showed some extent of contamination with significant elevated mean values of 467± 455µgCug -1 , 181± 44µgZng -1 and 181± 201µPbg -1 , when compared to 5.4±1.2µgCug -1 , 12±3.2µgZng -1 and not detectable value for Pb from the control soils. Hence, this study has helped to create the public awareness with regard to the risk of the adverse health effects that could possibly arise from the environmental pollution by heavy metals, particularly with regard to Pb in soils and the con- sequent need for immediate remediation of the studied area.