Spatio-Temporal Variations Of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils in the Vicinity Of Auto Mechanic Workshop Clusters at Central Agricultural Station, Kwadaso-Ghana

2016

English

Research was conducted at Auto mobile workshops in the vicinity of Central Agricultural Station to monitor the levels of heavy metals in soils in auto mechanic clusters in order to assess the pollution risk they pose to the environment and the people in the surrounding area. Four soils samples were taken from each workshop: Auto body (AB), Auto mechanic (AM), Auto electric (AE) and Auto spray (AS), making a total of 32 samples in July 2015 and January 2016. The soil samples were taken to Soil Research Institute’s Laboratory for analysis. Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese, Zinc were the heavy metals analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The pH of the samples was also analyzed using pH-meter. The results showed that the difference between the elements in each workshop was significant (P<0.05) and in order: AS>AE>AM>AB and Pb>Fe>Cu>Cd>Mn>Zn. However, there was no seasonal effect (P>0.05) on the elements, except Pb and Cd. The pH was low in Auto electric shops, and also generally low in the dry season. Similar studies on these metals at the peak of rainy season in 2016 is highly recommended to ascertain whether or not the metals actually leached down the soil to reduce their levels or concentrations increased in the dry season due to the mechanic activities.

Sadick, A.; Quansah, G. W.; Adjei, E. O.; Asamoah, G.