ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF BIOAVAILABLE HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AROUND BORI MECHANIC VILLAGE IN BORI, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Author(s): Nyodee, G. T; Nwiyor, P. S; Gbarakoro, S. L
Page: 12 - 28
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Publisher: The Creek Journals
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Keywords: Ecotoxicological risk, Bioavailable heavy metals, Hazard quotient, Toxic risk index
Abstract:
The study assessed the ecotoxicological risk of bioavailable heavy metals cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soils around Bori mechanic village. The composite soil samples collected from different sites were prepared and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the analysis of the heavy metals. From results, the mean concentrations of bioavailable heavy metals in the agricultural soils decreased in the order Pb (39.78) > Zn (33.18) > Cr (33.09) > Cu (22.12) > Ni (12.77) > Cd 91.29) all in mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Cd (1.29), Cr (33.09), Cu (22.17) and Pb (39.78) exceeded the USEPA soil guidelines, Cd (0.60), Cr (25.00), Cu (16.00) and Pb (35.00) respectively. The calculated values of MERMQ (0.14) and M-PERQ (0.27), all indicating 21% probability of being toxic, reiterated the fact that the bioavailable heavy metals have the potential of making the agricultural soils toxic. These heavy metals posed potential ecological risk with the RI value of 1240.99 which indicated highly strong potential ecological risk to the study area due to anthropogenic activities. Based on the results and findings of this study, the soils around mechanic village are polluted with heavy metals introduced into this area due to mechanic related activities. Therefore, education and legislation on mechanic village should be intensified. Modern waste disposal facilities be introduced to ensure proper waste management.
Citations:
Nyodee, G. T; Nwiyor, P. S; Gbarakoro, S. L "ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF BIOAVAILABLE HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AROUND BORI MECHANIC VILLAGE IN BORI, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA" Volume 1 Issue 1 Oct, 2025