Comparative study of Heavy Metals Distribution in a Mechanic Workshop and a Refuse Dumpsite in Oluku and Otofure Benin City, Edo State, Southwestern Nigeria.

A comparative study of heavy metals; Lead, Chromium, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium and Mercury distribution was carried out in Oluku and Otofure both in Metropolitan Benin City, Edo State Nigeria with the view to determine the level of concentration and contribution of each site investigated. Thirty eight (38) soil samples were collected from and around mechanic workshop in Oluku and refuse dumpsite in Otofure at depths of 0 - 0.15m to 0.15 - 0.30m. They were carefully labelled in polythene bags and then taken to the laboratory for digestion and analysis using Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS). The results obtained were subjected to statistical treatment at P < 0.05 at 95% confidence level; the ultimate results were presented in mean ± SD. A correlation coefficient range (r) of 0.63-0.94 at P < 0.001 two tailed was obtained suggesting a high relationship between the elements in the soil. By comparison, the results obtained show that mechanic workshop contributes more of the heavy metals assessed in the environment except for Cadmium whose concentration was found to be slightly higher in the refuse dumpsite.