Heavy metals analysis present in lamp black in two major sites of Port-Harcourt Polytechnic Rumuola Port-Harcourt

Abstract

Port Harcourt is a major city in south-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria that experienced a black soot deposition in the environment. The city experienced a coverage of black soots on cars, clothes, houses, plants, etc. Soot concentration continued to increase until the first quarter of 2017. After much public hazards, the frequency and concentration of soot deposition began to decline. It has been shown that these soot contains heavy metals which are toxic to human as a result of long term or high level exposure to pollutant common in environment including air, water, food and numerous consumer products. In this study, we assessed the levels of toxic metals in soot sample. The soot samples were taken from two different locations in Port Harcourt Polytechnic Rumuola, Port Harcourt. The soot were analyzed for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic and Mercury). The concentrations of the selected toxic heavy metals were determined in duplicate using aflame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The samples analyzed contained a detectable amount of the metals of interest. The concentration levels found in the soot sample from the classroom and business centre respectively were as follows; Pb, 0.864/0.01 1mg/kg; As, 0.0623/0.0400mg/kg and Hg, 0.0762/0.0001mg/kg. It is obvious from the present study that the classroom soot is high and continuous exposure to these toxic heavy metals can constitute potential health risk to humans since it has been known that heavy metals can accumulate in the biological system over time and are known to induce skin problems or diseases such as cancer.