Impact of Land Use on Concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements in Urban Soils of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background.Among soil contaminants, potentially toxic elements (PTE) are of major significance because they are ubiquitous, toxic and persistent. Chronic exposure of humans to these elements has been linked with developmental delay, cancer, atherosclerosis and kidney damage, stomach ailments, respiratory problems, heart disease and cancer.Objectives.The present study aims to investigate current PTE concentrations in urban soils of Lagos, an example of a rapidly urbanizing megacity in a developing country. The variation in PTE (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)) levels across different land use types was examined. Information from this study will be useful in the ranking of contaminated sites, environmental quality management, guidance for remediation, redevelopment of contaminated sites and will provide crucial information for general urban planning decisions.Methods.Five areas spread across four local government areas were selected, representing different socio-economic areas of Lagos (Victoria Island, Lagos mainland, Ikeja, Ifako-Ijaiye and Makoko). Sampling locations within the study areas were comprised of school playgrounds, roadsides, ornamental gardens, open spaces, train stations, industrial estates and dump sites. A total of 126 samples were collected.Results.The overall mean levels of PTE concentrations in this study were comparable to those found in large European cities where main pollution sources include traffic and current or former heavy manufacturing industries.Conclusions.Regulation and legislation on environmental issues, including effective solid waste management strategies and enforcement of emission standards should be emphasized in order to reduce the impact of PTE pollution on the inhabitants of urban areas in developing countries.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests

Potential of Ricinus communis L. For Removal of Heavy Metal in Contaminated Soil

“…Higher levels of heavy metal concentrations in soils from dumpsites and their ecological effects has been reported by several researchers (Akintola and Bodede, 2019b;Famuyiwa et al, 2018, Hu et al, 2018Akintola et al, 2020). Ajakanga dumpsite and its environ has been reported to have elevated concentrations of heavy metals due to anthropogenic influence of the wastes (Oguiseju et al, 2015;Ganiyu et al, 2016, Ewemoje et al, 2017Akintola and Bodede 2019a).…”

“…Solid wastes can decompose wide varieties of contaminants which can extensively affect the environment and human health (Sing et al, 2011). The improper management of waste dumpsites in many countries of the world has led to heavy metals contamination due to leachates that emanate from the decomposition of the deposited wastes (Akintola, 2014;Bartkowiak et al, 2016, Famuyiwa et al, 2018.…”

Occurrence and Impact of Heavy Metals on Some Water, Land, Flora and Fauna Resources across Southwestern Nigeria

“…In heavily commuted cities such as in Southwest Nigeria, metals deposit such as Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are good indicators of contaminations from automobiles as they appear in gasoline, oil lubricants, car component and industrial incinerator emissions [32]. Numerous studies conducted in recent years found high levels of heavy metals as street dust contaminants near traffic routes in Southwest Nigeria [24,35,36]. The re-suspension of metal-laden road dust may also be identified as the main source of road pollution, especially along roads with intense traffic and high vehicular emission.…”

Level and Health Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Microorganisms in Urban Soils of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

“…Ninety (90) soil samples (30 from each area) were collected from Iwaya, Maroko, and Ilaje between January and June 2020. The samplings were done randomly at a depth of 0-10 cm [30] into clean and pre-sterilized polyethylene bags, labelled appropriately, and transported to the laboratory. The samples were air-dried at room temperature (29 °C) for 6 days, and later oven-dried until constant weights were attained [31].…”