Impacts of Cement Dust Emissions on Soils within 10km Radius in Ashaka Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of cement dust emissions on physicochemical properties of soils within 10km radius from the plant (factory) in Ashaka area, Gombe State. Standard procedures used in soil sampling involves collection of soil samples along a transect aligned in the northeast to southeast direction in order to reflect the dominant two opposing air masses direction; the north-easterly (November-April) and south-westerly (May-October) air masses. Physicochemical analysis of the soils was carried out using standard laboratory procedures in the laboratory. Results of the analysis has revealed that the cement dust which contains high calcium has impacted the soils by increased soil pH, calcium (Ca) content, total bases, base saturation and pH dependent cation exchange capacity (CEC). The impact is observed most within the radius of 0-5km from the plant with a diminishing impact from the 5km towards the 10km radius. Similarly, results of the analysis has shown also that there are signs of slight impaction of bicarbonate (HCO 3) and electrical conductivity (EC) arising from the cement dust on the soils. Recommendations were offered to monitor the dust falling on the soils through trapping and utilizing the dust emissions to cement.

Effect of cement dust on soil physico-chemical properties around cement plants in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

“…Variations of soil EC due to influence of cement dust was confirmed by [6]. Similar findings have also been reported by other researchers.…”

“…The potassium content in soil near a cement factory in Madhya Pradesh was also found to increase significantly [3]. Similar findings were also reported by other researchers [6,8,28,39]. This increase is attributed to cement dust pollution.…”

“…This change is probably due to liming effect of the dust [30]. Cement dust contains CaCO 3, resulting in alkalinity when it comes in contact with soil [31,6]. Cement dust released from the industry when comes in contact with soil has indirect effect on soil quality [32,33].…”

“…Cement dust are potentially harmful to the environment including soil. The cement dust has high calcium content in it; thus the dust tends to be highly alkaline in nature [2,6]. The dust generated from cement plants is composed of calcium silicate and calcium aluminate.…”

Rainfall characteristics and occurrence of floods in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

“…The rainfall is concentrated between the months of May and September with a single maximum in August (Amos, Musa, Abashiya, and Abaje, 2015). The average annual rainfall totals is about 863.2 mm.…”