Unraveling the source(s) and fate of Pb in urban soils and sediments of Ibadan metropolis using lead isotopes.

In this study an attempt was made to determine the source(s) and nature of Pb in environmental media of Ibadan, one of the largest cities in west Nigeria. Seventy-three samples comprising forty stream sediments, twenty-five soils and eight rocks samples were used for the study. Mineralogical compositions of the samples were determined by X-ray diffraction.

Tracking Lead in Environmental Media in the City of Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria.

Background: The enrichment of lead (Pb) in a rapidly expanding urban environment is largely caused by industrial and anthropogenic activities. However, very few studies have come from sub-Sahara Africa as a whole, in spite of the increased rate of population, industrialization and urbanization in this region. The city of Onitsha is the commercial heartland of southeast Nigeria.

Heavy Metal Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment in Soils and Sediments of an Industrial Area in Southwestern Nigeria.

Background: Increased growth of industrial activities, especially in urban centers, is one of the main sources of toxic substances in Nigeria. The level of these impacts is not well known. Soil and sediment samples from one such industrial area were examined for their mineralogical composition and heavy metals contents in order to assess the level of contamination and potential ecological risk status.

Evaluation of Pollution of Soils and Particulate Matter Around Metal Recycling Factories in Southwestern Nigeria.

Background: Metal recycling factories (MRFs) have developed rapidly in Nigeria as recycling policies have been increasingly embraced. These MRFs are point sources for introducing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into environmental media.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the constituents (elemental and mineralogy) of the wastes (slag and particulate matter, (PM)) and soils around the MRFs and to determine the level of pollution within the area.

Potentially Toxic Contamination of Cultivated Wetlands in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Active cultivation of wetlands without consideration of the quality of the sediment is a common practice in the city of Lagos. Wetlands in several parts of the city have been cleared for growing vegetables and other crops. As a buffer for all surface run-off from the surrounding areas, wetlands are a depository for whatever contaminants are sourced from the catchments; hence the need to ascertain the quality of sediment on which edible crops are grown to determine suitability for agriculture.

The Sagamu cement factory, SW Nigeria: is the dust generated a potential health hazard?

The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metal content of the dust generated by the Sagamu cement factory and its attendant health hazards on the immediate environment, especially on the inhabitants of the area. A total of 25 samples were collected and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Records of medical ailments associated with heavy metal toxicity were also compiled from the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital situated in the town.