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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2005 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Page No.: 744-747
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ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the impact of the chemicals arising from cable manufacturing plant on the environment, with a view of compiling an ecotoxicolgical data of Nnewi. Soil, tap water, cassava water as well as food (cassava tuber) samples were collected from cable manufacturing industry and control site about five kilometers from the industry. Heavy metals namely Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Fe, were analysed in the samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Ammoniun and nitrate contents were also analysed. Volatile and non-volatile solids, pH, electrical conductivity, biological oxygen demand and salinity of tap water and cassava water were analysed. The biological integrity and microbial loads of the soil were determined. Cd (0.001- 0.002), Pb (1.302-7.454), Ni (0.00-0.186), Cu (0.000-0.680), Fe (0.000-0.030) ppm were present in the soil samples. The food sample contained Cd 0.01, Pb 0.48, Cu 0.01 and Fe 0.02 ppm. While tap water had Pb 3.08, Ni 0.24 and Cu 0.14. None of the samples contained Zn and there was a trace of Fe in the control water sample only. Other parameters: NH4+, N03-, pH, salinity, electrical conductivity, biological oxygen demand, biological integrity, volatile and non volatile solids, bacterial and fungal loads of the soil sample were found to be within the WHO recommended levels. There were elevated soil, water and food lead levels in around the factory site. Since there were elevated soil, water and food lead levels, we recommend a control measure to reduce lead exposure to the adjoining communities. There is a need for a follow up study by research toxicologists of the blood lead levels of the adults and children in this community.
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