









































Communication, Society and Media 
ISSN 2576-5388 (Print) ISSN 2576-5396 (Online) 

Vol. 2, No. 2, 2019 
www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/csm 

73 
 

Original Paper 

Measures of Harm from Heavy Metal Pollution in Battery 

Technicians’ Workshop within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, 

Nigeria 
Henry Olawale SAWYERR1, Morufu Olalekan RAIMI1&2*, Adedotun Timothy ADEOLU1 & 

Oluwaseun Emmanuel ODIPE1 
1 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Health, Allied and Environmental Science, 

College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria 
2 Department of Community Medicine, Environmental Health Unit, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Niger 

Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria 
* Morufu Olalekan RAIMI, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Health, Allied 

and Environmental Science, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, 

Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Community Medicine, Environmental Health Unit, Faculty of 

Clinical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria 

 

Received: April 27, 2019          Accepted: May 14, 2019         Online Published: May 28, 2019 

doi:10.22158/csm.v2n2p73                       URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/csm.v2n2p73 

 

Abstract 

Soil pollution with Heavy Metals (HMs) has been of much interests lately and is one of the major issues 

to be faced globally and requires attention because heavy metals above their normal ranges are 

extremely threatened to both biotic and abiotic life. It was therefore of interest to conduct study to 

assess the extent of heavy-metal contamination of soils within battery technicians’ workshops within 

Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-five composite soil samples were collected 

from six selected battery charger workshop within Ilorin metropolis and analyzed for the presence of 

heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result reveals significant positive 

relationship between Mn and Fe (r=0.511**, p<0.001), Mn and Cu (r=0.565**, p<0.001), Fe and Cr 

(r=0.895**, p<0.001), Fe and Cu (r=0.823**, p<0.001) and between Cr and Cu (r=830**, p<0.001). 

Result also shows significant negative relationship between Mn and Cr (r=-0.679**, p<0.001), Pb and 

Cu (r=-0.468*, p<0.05) respectively. The pollution status of heavy metals in soils was evaluated using 

quantitative indices (pollution index–PI). The result shows that Zn was moderately contaminated while 

other heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) had very slight contamination (pollution index<0.1). The 



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Ilorin metropolis soils of Kwara State were found to have a moderate to very slight contamination 

respectively. Large variations in PI values of Zn revealed that soil in those areas of the city, which are 

influenced by anthropogenic activities, have moderate concentrations of Zn resulting in “considerable 

risk”. The findings of this study recommend comprehensive continuous annual monitoring and auditing 

and further studies on the level of these heavy metals in the near future to ascertain long-term effects of 

anthropogenic impact is forestalled to protect the men and the environment. This should also involve 

larger coverage with studies on ground water around such locations. Furthermore, continuous metals 

speciation should be carried out so that the form and extent of metal bioavailability can be evaluated 

further. 

Keywords 

considerable risk, auditing, comprehensive monitoring, eco-environment, metal speciation, pollution, 

bioavailability, technicians, Ilorin metropolis 

 

1. Introduction 

Soil Pollution from Heavy Metal (HM) has become a serious issue in many parts of the world (Chen et 

al., 1997; Islam et al., 2016; Zhongmin et al., 2018) and also due to its ubiquity natures, trace level 

toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence, elevated Heavy Metals (HMs) in soil milieu and thus soil 

contamination with HMs has been globally attracting much attention (Waseem et al., 2014; Pavlovic et 

al., 2016). Substantially, HMs that have been accumulated in soils can be release to other 

environmental media, such as groundwater, rivers, atmosphere and crops, and consequently poses 

hazard to human beings and ecosystems (Wei & Yang, 2010; Obiora et al., 2016; Cocarta et al., 2016). 

Heavy Metals (HM) are ubiquitous natural substances in soils, which could be both natural (lithogenic 

inputs via weathering of parent materials and bedrocks) and anthropogenic in origin (Zhongmin et al., 

2018; Islam et al., 2016). Conversely, global enrichments of HMs in soils are primarily due largely to 

human activities (Luo et al., 2012). 

More importantly, naturally occurring metals in the earth’s crust, and their contents in the milieu can 

vary between different parts of the world resulting in spatial variations of concentrations background. 

The metals distribution in the environment is governed by the properties of the metal and influences of 

environmental factors (Khlifi & Hamza-Chaffai, 2010; Morufu & Clinton, 2017; Olalekan et al., 2018; 

Raimi & Sabinus, 2017). Despite the 92 naturally occurring elements, about 30 metals and metalloids 

are potentially toxic to humans, Be, B, Li, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, 

Sb, Fe, Cs, Ba, W, Pt, Au, Hg, Pb, and Bi. Although, quite a number of citizens are exposed primarily 

to these contaminants in the workplace, the main route of exposure to these toxic elements for most 

people is through their diet (food and water). The chain of trace metals contamination usually follows a 

cyclic order such as: industry, atmosphere, soil, water, foods and human. Though toxicity and the 



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resulting public health threat of any contaminant are, of course, a concentration function, it is well 

established that relatively low levels of chronic exposure to heavy metals and metalloids can cause 

adverse effects (Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 2003a, 2003b, 2007, 

2008; Castro-González & Méndez-Armenta, 2008). As a result, there has been increasing apprehension, 

particularly in the developed world, about exposures, intakes and absorption of heavy metals by 

humans. Populations are increasingly demanding a cleaner environment in general, and reductions in 

the amounts of contaminants reaching people as a result of increasing human activities. A practical 

implication of this trend, in the developed countries, has been the imposition of new and more 

restrictive regulations (European Commission, 2006; Figueroa, 2008). Despite the subject importance, 

this paper therefore assesses the soils anthropogenic influences, which has become necessary due to 

increasing population pressure on soil characteristics. These anthropogenic influences, most often been 

researched upon in the context of industrial production, transportation, mining, mechanic workshop, 

construction and manufacturing have resulted in increased heavy metals notably Zinc, Iron, Lead, 

Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Manganese in the soils surrounding these activities and ultimately 

to the biosphere which call for further assessment on soils effects (Johan, 2011; Morufu & Clinton, 

2017; Raimi & Sabinus, 2017; Olalekan et al., 2018). Interestingly, biological effects of metal can be 

beneficial or harmful to humans and the ecosystem. Though, majority of metals (e.g., cadmium, 

mercury, and lead) in the ecosystem are non-essential and of no importance to biological systems, 

although some metals (e.g., cobalt, copper, chromium, iron, zinc, and manganese) are essential and are 

known for important biological functions in humans (Caussy et al., 2003; Odipe et al., 2018). Metal 

introduction into the soils have been through various natural and anthropogenic sources 

(Ajmone-Marsan & Biasioli, 2010; Wong et al., 2006; Raimi & Sabinus, 2017; Morufu & Clinton, 

2017; Olalekan et al., 2018). The disposal of major anthropogenic sources which include electrical and 

electronic equipment, paints, pesticides, incineration of domestic waste, atmospheric deposition from 

industrial processes, and power plants, as well as, traffic-related activities such as fossil fuel 

combustion, spills of motor oil, and wear and tear of brakes and tires (Ajmone-Marsan & Biasioli, 2010; 

Wong et al., 2006; Morufu & Clinton, 2017). “Human exposure to metal contaminated soils occurs 

through inhalation of contaminated dust, ingestion, and dermal contact” (Ng et al., 2015). The total 

metals concentration in the soil is usually employed as a measured of the soil pollution. But, using total 

metal content typically overestimates exposure since physicochemical properties of the soil matrix such 

as pH, texture, and organic matter content can sequester the metal and reduce its bioavailability (Ruby, 

2004). Nevertheless, the amount of bioavailability in a contaminant is a function of the absorptive 

capacity of the body following skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation (Ng et al., 2015). 

 

 



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Heavy metals pollution in aquatic environment is a growing global problem and it has currently 

reached an alarming rate. Various sources of heavy metals originate from anthropogenic activities like 

draining of sewerage, dumping of hospital wastes and recreational activities (Morufu & Clinton, 2017). 

Conversely, the natural occurrence of metals in small amounts may enter into aquatic system through 

leaching of rocks, airborne dust, forest fires and vegetation. As heavy metals cannot be degraded, they 

are being deposited continuously and incorporated in water, thus causing pollution of heavy metal in 

water bodies (Morufu & Clinton, 2017). “The presence of heavy metals in the water may have a 

profound effect on the microalgae which constitute the main food source for bivalve mollusks in all 

their growth stages, zooplankton (rotifers, copepods, and brine shrimps) and for larval stages of some 

crustacean and fish species. Furthermore, bioconcentration and magnification could lead to high 

toxicity of these metals in organisms, even when the exposure level is low. Under such conditions, the 

toxicity of a moderately toxic metal could be enhanced by synergism and may cause the population of 

fish to be declining. Apart from destabilizing the ecosystem, the accumulation of these toxic metals in 

aquatic food web is a public health threat and thus their potential long-term impact on ecosystem 

integrity cannot be ignored” (Ogoyi et al., 2011). 

 

2. Battery Charger Workshop 

One major anthropogenic source of heavy metals into soil is the disposal of batteries from battery 

charger workshop. This has become an ever-increasing topic of discussion in the developed countries 

due to the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel 

and lithium. In addition, the chemical composition of the electrolyte is also harmful to the environment 

if not properly disposed or managed. Lead acid batteries also known as wet cell batteries are most 

frequently used to power cars, trucks, smaller vehicles and other large pieces of equipment. Lead also 

known to be a persistent Bioaccumulators Toxic (BBT) chemical with well documented neurological 

effect in human exposed to vehicular lead-acid batteries which contain a significant amount of lead, 18 

to 20 pounds (i.e., about 8.3 to 9kg) in most vehicles. The disposal of lead-acid batteries in a solid 

waste landfill which is illegally dumped, the lead sulfuric acid tends to seep into the soil affecting the 

soil nutrient and contaminate ground water. Nigeria with an estimated population of 205 million is a 

fast-growing developing country and annually, batteries and electronics are used in application more 

than ever. Daily, consumers, businesses and industry, local state and Federal government agencies 

generate these battery wastes. Most people in Nigeria are ignorant of battery waste toxicity. As a result, 

it is important to have some measures of bioavailability of soil-borne contaminant for a more accurate 

assessment of the associated risk to population health. Importantly, soil ingestion most often is a risk 

pathway to concentration of contaminant in the soil which is relatively high to other sources (Ng et al., 

2015). Thus, the present study goal was to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, 



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Cu, Pb, Zn) in surface soils in a battery charger workshop within Ilorin metropolis. A secondary goal 

was to determine the difference in concentration level of heavy metals within the selected sites and 

thirdly was to assess different methods to determine pollution indexes commonly used in soil pollution. 

Soils sampling in public places is important because the influence of trace metal pollution on 

population health, especially battery technicians, is strong and well documented (Simpson, 1996; Dor 

et al., 1998; Mielke et al., 1999; Sawyerr et al., 2016). Consequently, sampling sites were publicly 

accessible places such as battery charger workshop where most between humans and soils interaction 

takes place. 

 

3. Research Methods 

3.1 Description of the Study Area 

Ilorin is located between Northern and Southern Nigeria on latitude 80 3” N and longitude 40 35” E with 

approximation of 100km2 land mass (Orire et al., 2013). The city comprises of Ilorin west, east and 

south with a population of 777, 667 (NPC, 2007). The major tribe is Yoruba with Hausa, Fulani and 

Nupe as minority (Orire et al., 2013). Ilorin is known as Gateway city between Northern and Southern 

Nigeria (Muhammed, 2006). The major activities in the city ranging from agriculture such as food crop 

to cloth weaving, leather work, tie and dye, mat making to modern business, industrial and 

administrative activities (Figure 1). 

 



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Figure 1. Map of Nigeria Showing the Location of the Study Area 

 

3.2 Sample Collection, Preparation and Analysis 

Twenty-five composite soil samples were collected from six selected battery charger workshop within 

Ilorin metropolis with a soil depth calibrated auger at a depth of 0-15cm representing the topsoil (Table 

1 and Figure 1). The soil samples were then air dried, crushed, passed through a sieve, put in clean 

polythene bags and stored at room temperature for laboratory analysis using standard techniques. 1g of 

the sieved sample was weighted into a 125ml flask that was washed with acid and rinsed with distilled 

water. Acid digestion with conc. perchloric acid (4ml), conc. nitric acid (10ml) and sulphuric acid (2ml) 

was carried out. The content was thoroughly mixed and digested on BIBBY hot plate and heated gently 

at low temperature of 550C. Heating was continued until white dense fume observed. The solution was 

allowed to cool and 40ml of distilled water was added to it. It was further boiled for about 1 minute at a 

moderate temperature of 550C. The solution was allowed to cool finally and filtered into a 100ml 

volumetric flask and make up to the mark with doubly distilled water. The digested sample was 

analysed with ALPHA 4 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Chem-Tech. Analytical) with EPSON 

LX-300 printer. Each preparation of sample was repeated in triplicate. This followed standard 

procedure described in Sawyerr et al. (2016). 



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Table 1. Soil Samples from Battery Charger Workshop 

LOCATION ZONE GPS CO-ORDINATE 

Longitude 

Latitude 

SITE A Tipper Garage 4.617128 8.493058 

SITE B Basin 4.596861 8.504036 

SITE C Sango 4.585183 8.508949 

SITE D Tanke 4.612684 8.48142 

SITE E Fate 4.584707 8.49803 

SITE F Fate-Tanke 4.597613 8.489728 

 

4. Method of Data Analysis 

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics correlation and Analysis of Variance. Means and 

standard error of means were computed for each of the heavy metal and the univariate relationship 

among heavy metal was done using correlation and differences in heavy metal between the sites were 

compared using ANOVA. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0) was used 

to enhance data analysis and statistical significance was established at 0.05 level of significance. The 

p-value<0.05 was considered significant. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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5. Results and Discussions 

5.1 Results 

 

Table 2. Correlation Matrix Showing the Relationship between the Heavy Metal Parameters 

Parameters Mn 

(mg/kg) 

Zn 

(mg/kg) 

Fe 

(mg/kg) 

Pb 

(mg/kg) 

Cd 

(mg/kg) 

Cr 

(mg/kg) 

Cu 

(mg/kg) 

Mn (mg/kg) 1       

Zn (mg/kg) -0.220 1      

Fe (mg/kg) 0.511** -0.117 1     

Pb (mg/kg) -0.150 -0.010 -0.124 1    

Cd (mg/kg) 0.088 -0.232 0.051 -0.117 1   

Cr (mg/kg) -0.679** -0.139 0.895** -0.196 0.236 1  

Cu (mg/kg) 0.562** 0.026 0.823** -0.468* 0.185 0.830** 1 

*Significant at 5%, **Significant at 1% (p<0.0). 

 

Correlation coefficient is a measure of the linear correlation between two variables and giving a value 

between +1 and −1. The correlation coefficient data is important in order to deduce the possible sources 

of the metals in the soil samples. Based on the data, where 1 is total positive correlation, 0 is no 

correlation, and −1 is the total negative correlation. It is widely used in the sciences as a measure of the 

degree of linear dependences between two variables. Thus, Table 2 shows the nature and strength of 

bivariate relationship between any of the physico-chemical parameters. However, the correlation factor 

for various metals were derived and shown in the table above. As for the metal to metal correlation, 

result reveals significant positive relationship between Mn and Fe (r=0.511**, p<0.001), Mn and Cu 

(r=0.565**, p<0.001), Fe and Cr (r=0.895**, p<0.001), Fe and Cu (r=0.823**, p<0.001) and between 

Cr and Cu (r=830**, p<0.001). Result also shows significant negative relationship between Mn and Cr 

(r=-0.679**, p<0.001), Pb and Cu (r=-0.468*, p<0.05). This means that direct relationship exists 

between these variables which implies that as one of the heavy metal increases, the values of the other 

heavy metal also increase, and the reverse is the case for negative relationship. The correlation 

coefficients between the concentrations of the different metals indicate a links between them, which 

probably reflects their related origin. The wastes which could be indiscriminately disposed within the 

various workshops are possible sources of these metals. 



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Table 3. Variation in Heavy Metals across Five Locations 

Location Mn 

(mg/kg) 

Zn (mg/kg) Fe (mg/kg) Pb 

(mg/kg) 

Cd 

(mg/kg) 

Cr 

(mg/kg) 

Cu 

(mg/kg) 

Tipper 2.20±0.47a 47.13±5.90a 3.65±0.54a 1.09±0.17a 0.00±0.00a 2.25±0.32a 2.08±0.39a 

Basin 1.90±0.52a 41.38±4.63a 3.23±0.39a 1.31±0.31a 0.13±0.12a 2.18±0.35a 1.60±0.32a 

Sango 2.98±0.46a 42.40±4.21a 3.70±0.54a 0.99±0.13a 0.01±0.01a 2.36±0.35a 2.06±0.34a 

Tanker 2.73±0.69a 41.63±4.17a 4.15±0.21a 0.94±0.17a 0.01±0.01a 2.53±0.21a 2.40±0.58a 

Fate 2.85±0.33a 37.75±2.64a 3.74±0.22a 0.28±0.83a 0.01±0.01a 2.29±0.19a 1.98±0.21a 

 

Table 3 presents variation in heavy metals across five locations (Tipper, Basin, Sango, Tanker and 

Fate). Result reveals that there is no significant difference in heavy metal between Tipper, Basin, Sango, 

Tanker and Fate (p<0.05). 

 

Table 4. Comparism with Regulatory Guidelines and Other Studies 

Heavy 

Metals 

1993 

USEPA 

Standard 

Odewande 

and 

Abimbola, 

2008 

(Ghana Kumasi) 

Godfred et al., 

2017 

(Addis- Ababa) 

Demlie and 

Wohnlich, 2006 

Mean SD 

Mn (mg/kg) - - - - 0.70 0.21 

Zn (mg/kg) 6 227 264 85.4 63.50 1.77 

Fe (mg/kg) - - - - 3.70 0.16 

Pb (mg/kg) 420 95 97 31.4 1.07 0.07 

Cd (mg/kg) 0.5 8.4 0.64 3.22 0.03 0.02 

Cr (mg/kg) 30 64 124 64.7 2.32 0.12 

Cu (mg/kg) 40 47 75 31.8 2.02 0.13 

 

Table 4 reveals that the concentration of heavy metal obtained in this study were all less than that 

obtained in Adewara Adesoji Odewande and Akinlolu F. Abimbola (2008), Ghana Kumasi, 

Addis-Ababa and that of 1993 USEPA standard. However, the present study mean for Zn is more than 

10 times higher than the 1993 USEPA standard. 

 

 



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Table 5. Pollution Index 

Parameters Range Mean SEM Remarks 

Zn (mg/kg) 0.20-0.45 0.30 0.013 Moderate contamination 

Pb (mg/kg) 0.01-0.02 0.01 0.001 Very slight contamination 

Cd (mg/kg) 0.000-0.63 0.03 0.02 Very slight contamination 

Cr (mg/kg) 0.02-0.04 0.02 0.001 Very slight contamination 

Cu (mg/kg) 0.03-0.08 0.06 0.004 Very slight contamination 

 

Pollution index are used to assess the level of soil contamination and/or pollution. Table 5 reveals level 

of pollution as a result of heavy metal contamination and the result shows that Zn was moderately 

contaminated while other heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) had very slight contamination (pollution 

index<0.1). 

5.2 Discussion 

Present study was conducted in order to assess the extent of heavy-metal contamination of soils within 

battery technicians’ workshops. As soil pollution is dangerous for both ecosystem and human health, as 

a result, it is needful to assess the soil quality, as this is a very important issue related to human and 

environment. For this purpose, this study found significant relationship among some of the parameters. 

Specifically, the result revealed manganese to be significantly related with Iron (0.511) and copper 

(0.565), furthermore, the Iron was found to be significantly related with chromium (0.895) and copper 

(0.823). All these parameters were found to have significant positive relationship with manganese 

except chromium which had perfect negative relationship. This result implies that as manganese, iron 

and chromium of the soil increases, copper and chromium increases significantly. Indicating that they 

were likely contributed simultaneously (closely associated) (Adewara, 2008; Sawyerr et al., 2016). 

However, for manganese, the reverse was the case such that as the manganese of the soil increases, 

chromium decreases significantly. Indicating poorly correlated elements might have different 

geochemical factors influencing their concentrations in the soils (Adewara, 2008). While the result for 

lead was significantly negative. Perfect negative relationship was obtained between lead and copper 

revealed significant negative relationship with each other (p<0.05). The correlation coefficients 

between the concentrations of the different metals indicate links between them, which probably reflects 

their related origin. The wastes which could be indiscriminately disposed within the various workshops 

are possible sources of these metals. Furthermore, previous research reported excess intake of HMs 

from soils can result in numerous diseases (Uversky et al., 2001). For example, chronic exposure to 

Arsenic (As) can lead to dermal lesions, skin cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral vascular 

disease (Smith et al., 2006), while chronic ingestion of Cadmium (Cd) can have adverse effects such as 

prostatic proliferative lesions, bone fractures, kidney dysfunction, hypertension lung cancer, and 



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pulmonary adenocarcinomas (Lin et al., 2013). Excessive intake of Lead (Pb) can damage the skeletal, 

circulatory, nervous, enzymatic, endocrine, and immune systems (Nieboer et al., 2013). Thus, human 

health risk via direct exposure to soil HMs should not be ignored. 

Many studies have shown that urban soils receive loads of contaminants that are usually greater than 

the surrounding sub-urban or rural areas due to the higher tempo of anthropogenic activities of urban 

settlement (Adelekan & Alawode, 2011; Sawyerr et al., 2016). This is supported by this study based on 

the concentrations of the metals investigated. However, the presence of copper in the study area could 

be a result of several factors including; automobile wastes containing electrical and electronic parts, 

such as copper wires, electrodes and copper pipes and alloys from corroding vehicle scraps which have 

littered the surrounding vicinity for a long time, with released metals from the corrosion gradually 

leaching into the soil (Nwachukwu et al., 2011; Sawyerr et al., 2016). For Manganese, it appears that 

the levels of Mn in the soils investigated is increasing gradually and need to be closely monitored to 

prevent any further increase. Because the continuous use of battery workshops pose threat to the health 

of the users and general public, particularly children and vulnerable people. 

In addition, anthropogenic activities have contributed to the presence of zinc from auto mechanic since 

this element is found as part lubricating oils additives (Abenchi et al., 2010; Sawyerr et al., 2016). 

However, the concentration of Zn in this study is small compared with many other studies 

(Nwachukwu et al., 2010; Nwachukwu et al., 2011). Although, when compared with USEPA standard, 

the present study mean is more than 10 times higher than the standard which call for concern and may 

be hazardous to health (Morufu & Clinton, 2017). While, for Cd, the results are also in the same range 

as those reported by other workers in other parts of Nigeria (Abenchi et al., 2010; Adelekan & 

Alawode, 2011). Furthermore, it is reported that Pb has the highest composition of heavy metals in 

waste oils (Oguntimehin et al., 2008). Also, the levels of Pb could be elevated by the amount of waste 

oil, presence of automobile emissions, and expired motor batteries indiscriminately dumped by battery 

chargers and auto mechanics in the surrounding areas (Sawyerr et al., 2016). This could perhaps be 

attributed largely to the cluster’s nature of activities in the auto mechanic. Nevertheless, it is important 

to know that there are no soil quality guidelines for heavy metals in soils in Nigeria (Iwegbue et al., 

2006; Ipeaiyeda et al., 2007) and hence comparisons were made with those of other countries 

(Odewande & Abimbola, 2008; Godfred et al., 2017). The concentrations of the metals, however, were 

relatively low and variation in heavy metals across five locations reveals that there is no significant 

difference in heavy metal between Tipper, Basin, Sango, Tanker and Fate (p<0.05). 

Also, trace metal concentrations in the study area do not exceed their respective State (Table 4). The 

average trace metal concentrations for the study area are several times lower than those for regulatory 

guidelines and other studies (Table 4). Even compared to cities described as intermediate or by the 

respective authors (Odewande & Abimbola, 2008; Godfred et al., 2017), the concentrations observed in 



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the study area of the present study remain low (Table 4). 

The pollution index was derived by employing the pollution index as defined by Lacutusu (Lacatusu, 

2000). 

 
A distinction between soil contamination and pollution range was established by means of the 

contamination/pollution index C/PI (Table 5). This represents a metal content effectively. C/P index 

values greater than unities (1) defines the pollution range and when lower than unity the contamination 

range. The standard employed for interpreting soil heavy metals contamination/pollution index varies 

from country to country based on the chosen factors (Kestern & Forstner, 1989). The pollution index 

assessment indicates that most of the metals fall within the “very slight contamination” and “moderate 

contamination” range in the soil. In all samples, the soil is found to be slightly polluted by cadmium, 

lead, chromium and copper while Zinc is being found in the “moderate pollution” range. Thus, 

exposure to lead has been linked to delays in physical or mental development in children. In adults, 

lead exposure may potentially cause kidney problems and high blood pressure when exposed to levels 

above the maximum contaminant level for extended period of time. Children, infants and pregnant 

women are even more susceptible to the damages caused by lead ingestion. Cadmium exposure tend to 

accumulate in the human body affecting negatively several organs: liver, kidney, lung, bones, placenta, 

brain and the central nervous system (Morufu & Clinton, 2017; Castro-Gonzalez & Mendez-Arnenta, 

2008). Other damages that have been observed include reproductive and development toxicity, hepatic, 

haematological and immunological effects (Apostoli & Catalani, 2011; ATSDR, 2008; Morufu & 

Clinton, 2017; Raimi & Sabinu, 2017). For chromium, it has been found to be very toxic and 

carcinogenic to human and cause eczematous dermatitis, cancer of the lungs, nasal and paranasal 

sinuses as well as suspected cancer of the stomach and larynx (ATSDR, 2000; Morufu & Clinton, 2017; 

Raimi & Sabinu, 2017). In addition, studies from Khlifi and Hamza-Chaffai (2010) noted that zinc 

cause several diseases to humans, fatalities resulting from lung damages caused by inhalation of high 

concentration of zinc chloride, causes damages to mucus membranes of the nasopharynx and the 

respiratory tract when ingested since it could cause digestive disorders and constipation. 

 

6. Conclusion 

The study identified elevated concentrations of heavy metals including Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn 

in surface soils in the commercial hub of Ilorin metropolis in the study area, trace metal concentrations 

are considerably lower compared to regulatory standard and other studies. This suggests that trace 

metal concentrations in Ilorin soils are related to the size and activities of the city, presumably because 

of the more intense land use. Pollution indexes were determined to assess the trace metal pollution 



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level in the area. The contamination indexes led to generally similar conclusions about the proportion 

of polluted sites, which is relatively low in the study area. This study assessed the extent of 

heavy-metal contamination in soils within battery technicians’ workshops using some pollution indexes. 

However, the overall pollution indices and carcinogenic risks, incorporating bioaccessibility data, 

contributed more to the overall risk: Lead is known to affect almost every organ and system in humans 

(developmental, cardiovascular, reproductive, neurological, ocular, hematological, and renal) while 

chronic exposure to other heavy metals can result in irritation of the stomach and intestines, blood 

vessel damage, skin changes, and reduced nerve function (Morufu & Clinton, 2017). It is therefore 

concluded that continuous use of such battery technicians’ workshops may pose a threat to the health of 

the users and call for the continuous monitoring through agencies of government. 

 

7. Recommendations 

Consequent upon our findings, it is recommended that government should intensify on the management 

of wastes in the battery technician workshops and should carry out comprehensive continuous 

monitoring and auditing to forestall the effects of waste oil related problems on the environment, 

particularly on groundwater. In addition, annual continuous monitoring and further studies on the level 

of these heavy metals should be carried out in the near future to ascertain long-term effects of 

anthropogenic impact. This should also involve larger coverage with studies on ground water around 

such locations. 

 

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