ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN SOILS AROUND OIL FILLING AND SERVICE STATIONS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the level of heavy metals contamination of soil around oil filling and service stations in the Tamale Metropolis. Soil samples were collected from various oil filling and service stations. Elemental analysis of samples was conducted using atomic absorption spectrometer at Atomic Energy Laboratory, Accra. The metals concentrations ranged from 2.37 to 15.00 mg/kg for Cr; 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg for Hg; 3.2 to 22.68 mg/kg for Cu; 0.12 to 6.63 mg/kg for Cd and 4.93 to 74.20 mg/kg for Pb. The mathematical models: Index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), enrichment factors (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination were employed to identify possible levels of pollution from anthropogenic sources. The enrichment factor means places the elements in a decreasing order as Cd > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni> Fe > Zn > As > Hg > Mn that agreed with others models such as contamination factor, pollution load index and degree of contamination. Elements such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mg) gave enrichment factor values ranging from 2-5 signifying moderate enrichment. The study revealed that soil contamination by the metals originated from a common anthropogenic source such as the oil filling activities, brake wear, tyres wear and corroded vehicles engine materials since these sources are noted to contribute one or two correlated metals to the natural environment. Hence, pose potential threat to humans and critical environmental media such as water bodies. It is therefore recommended that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should regularly monitor the oil filling and service stations to check the levels of heavy metals in the metropolis.