Effect of Activities at the Gboko Abattoir on Some Physical Properties and Heavy Metals Levels of Surrounding Soil

Abstract

The study determined the levels of some heavy metals and pH, organic matter and particle size distribution of soil within the vicinity of Gboko abattoir. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results of AAS analysis of the heavy metals showed that the soil had mean value of Zn2+ 3.0195 ppm, Pb2+ 0.5413 ppm, Ni2+ 0.1949 ppm, Cr3+ 0.1134 ppm and Cd2+ 0.0185 ppm. These values were higher than similar results obtained from the control soil but the mean levels of the metals were lower than the permissible limits set by the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources (NDPR) and European Union (EU) respectively. The soil heavy metals were positively correlated. The mean pH of the soil (6.03) indicates acidity, the organic matter was very high and the particle size distribution revealed sandy-loam texture. The results of the analysis showed some levels of pollution which indicated that the activities at the abattoir were contributing to the pollution load of soil in the environment. It is therefore, recommended that the activities at the abattoir should be monitored closely by relevant agencies in order to prevent full-blown environmental problems in the near future and avert the attendant health hazards