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Assessment of Soil Quality of Automobile Mechanic Workshops in
Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Nwagwu, Apollos Chuks and Ogbodo, Ogomegbunam Immaculate
Department of Environmental Resource Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies Abia state
University, Uturu
DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000031
Received: 02 October 2025; Accepted: 07 October 2025; Published: 03 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Scientists wanted to find out if the soil around car repair shops in some neighborhoods in Nigeria has dirty metals
in it. These metals can come from things like car parts and oils used at the workshops. To do this, they took
small samples of dirt from four different areas where cars are fixed. They also took some samples from nearby
places that weren’t car workshops to see what normal soil looks like. The scientists used special tools to measure
how dirty the soil is and found that, overall, the soil is somewhat polluted, especially in one area called Rumuosi.
Because of this, they think it’s important to make rules and take action to clean up the soil and keep the
environment safe. They suggest that people who run the workshops should follow better practices to prevent
more pollution and that cleaning the dirty soil would help make the environment healthier. They tested the soil
to see how much of certain metals like lead, cadmium, manganese, iron, and copper were there. They found that
these metals were in the soil, especially iron and manganese, and sometimes the levels were higher than in the
clean areas. This means the soil near the workshops is getting polluted with these metals, likely because of the
work done there.
Keywords: soil quality, automobile mechanic workshops operation and activities.
INTRODUCTION
Pollution is a big problem around the world. Many people get sick because of harmful chemicals and waste that
humans produce. The soil, which is the ground we walk on, also collects this waste from people and factories.
When humans and factories don’t control their waste, more dangerous metals, called heavy metals, end up in
our environment. These metals are very heavy and include things like mercury, lead, manganese, arsenic, and
copper. Heavy metals are elements that are much denser than water. Some of these metals occur naturally in the
earth, in rocks and soil, but when humans do certain activities, like working on cars, they cause more of these
metals to build up in the environment. For example, in Nigeria, activities like fixing cars at mechanic workshops
can make the levels of heavy metals in the soil and water go up too high. This is dangerous because too many
heavy metals can harm plants, animals, and even people.
For example, car emissions often include chemicals from paints, oils, and fluids, which add more heavy metals
to the environment. Waste from car repairs can also leak into rivers, lakes, and underground water because land,
air, water, and soil are all connected. Studies have shown that areas with many car repair activities have higher
levels of dangerous metals like cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc than normal. The main sources of these
metals are lead in gasoline and zinc from tires.
There are many car repair shops all over Obio/Akpor, especially along busy roads and markets. These shops
often throw their waste on the ground everywhere, which pollutes the environment. The waste from these shops
contains harmful metals that can hurt plants and animals. It also kills helpful tiny microbes in the soil that clean
up pollution. Since the water underground is very close to the surface in this area, these dangerous metals can
also get into the water we drink. Because of this pollution, people are worried, and scientists want to study the
soil around these workshops to see how clean or dirty it is.
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MATERIALS AND METHOD
Study Area
Obio/Akpor is next to other areas: Ikwerre to the north, Port Harcourt city to the south, Oyibo to the east, and
Emeoha to the west. The city of Port Harcourt, which is an important city in Nigeria, is made up of Obio/Akpor,
Eleme, and Port Harcourt city areas. This city sits on solid ground and is about 66 kilometers from the Atlantic
Ocean. Port Harcourt is a busy city with lots of business activities and is one of the biggest cities in Rivers State.
This study is about four communities called Eliozu, Elelewon, Rumuosi, and Choba. These communities are in
a place called Obio/Akpor, which is part of Rivers State in Nigeria. Rivers State is in a region called the Niger
Delta, in Nigeria.
Figure 1. Rivers State Showing Obio/Akpor L.G.A.
Source: Rivers State ministry of land and survey 2024: updated.
Figure 2: Obio/Akpor L.G.A showing the study area.
Source: Rivers State ministry of land and survey 2024: update
Population of the Study
This study is about the dirt and soil found near car repair shops in Obio/Akpor, a place in Rivers state. The study
looks at all the spots in that area, including the exact locations marked by their map coordinates. Scientists took
samples of the soil from these spots to learn more about them.
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Sampling Techniques
Simple purposive sampling methods were used to determine the sample size of the study area.
The various strata of the study areas are; Eliozu, Rumuosi, Choba, and Elelewon communities in Obio/Akpor
Local Government Area, and the control were also collected at Oginigba Opposite Next Cash and Carry Garden
and Iriebe School to land by The Promise Glorious Ministry Garden.
There were inventories of all the automobile workshops in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, a total of 48
mechanic workshops were identified as shown in
Table 1: Number of automobile workshops and the communities covered in the study area.
Communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Number of mechanic workshops.
Eliozu
9
Rumosi
12
Choba
15
Elelwon
12
Total
48
Methods of Data Collection
The soil samples were collected from the automobile workshops locations using soil auger at about 0- 20cm
depth. The samples were collected along side with the geographical coordinate using Geographical Information
System GPS (ARMIN GPS72H) as shown in table 3.2.
Twelve (12) samples were collected from four (4) different communities in the study areas and two samples
were also collected from the Control sites. A total of fourteen (14) samples were collected.
The samples were thoroughly mixed and transferred into clean polythene bag and were labeled E1, E2, for
Eliozu, R1, R2, R3 for Rumuosi, C1, C2, C3, C4, for Choba, EL1, EL2, and EL3 for Elelewon, and control 1
and 2 in line with the transect for the soils for onward laboratory analysis to determine their level of
contaminations by heavy metals (Manganese Mn, Lead Pb, Iron Fe, and Cadmium Cd), and physicochemical
parameters.
Table: 2 coordinate locations of the various samples collections GPS (ARMIN GPS 72H)
Name/ locations
Longitudes
Latitudes
Choba, sample 1
(Redeem church)
6
0
92.2758
4
0
88.720
Choba, sample 2
(East west road)
6
0
92.225
4
0
88.740
Choba, sample 3
(Helena heaven)
6
0
91.516
4
0
89.365
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Choba, sample 4
(Institute of Petroleum)
6
0
91.589
4
0
89.730
Elelewon, sample 1
(opp. Mosque
7
0
06.360
4
0
85.138
Elelewon, sample 2
(old refinery road)
7
0
06.587
4
0
82.557
Elelewon, sample 3
(Worji road)
7
0
06. 648
4
0
82.358
Eliozu, sample 1
(Skyfallmagaloung)
7
0
02.088
4
0
85.935
Eliozu, sample 2
(ABC Bus park)
7
0
02.124
4
0
86.033
Rumuosi, sample 1
(East west road)
6
0
95.410
4
0
87.888
Rumuosi, sample 2
(Abdul-quadri ventures)
6
0
95.324
4
0
87. 890
Rumuosi, sample 3
6
0
92.779
4
0
88.425
Control -1 (Oginigba)
7
0
03.513
4
0
82.706
Control -2 (Iriebe)
7
0
11.298
4
0
87.015
Method of Data Analysis
Sample analysis results are presented in mg/kg. Scientists have set safety levels to certain heavy metals to keep
people safe. Some of these levels are also meant to protect fish, plants, and soil that get dirty water or waste from
homes and farms.
In this study, we tested for the physicochemical and heavy metals parameters using apparatus and procedures as
specified by AOAC (2005) described below.
Determination of Heavy Metals (Buck scientific VGP 2010/2011)…… (6)
Apparatus: Digestion bottles, Whatman No 9 filter paper, oven, and PerkinElmer Precise Analyst 200 atomic
absorption spectrophotometer.
Reagent: 2 MHNO
3
Procedure: Approximately 1.0 gram of each soil sample was carefully weighed and transferred into individual
50-milliliter digestion tubes. To each tube, 10 milliliters of a 2 molar solution of nitric acid (HNO) were added
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to facilitate the digestion process. The samples were then subjected to digestion for duration of 2 hours, during
which they were gently shaken every 20 minutes to ensure thorough mixing and effective breakdown of the soil
matrix. After completing the digestion period, the resulting solutions were carefully filtered into clean 25 -
milliliter volumetric flasks to remove any particulate matter. The filtrates were then carefully diluted to the
marked volume with deionized water, ensuring consistent volume and concentration across all samples. These
diluted solutions were subsequently stored in polyethylene bottles to prevent contamination and degradation
until they were ready for analysis. The prepared samples were analyzed for the presence and concentration of
several trace elements, including lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu),
arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), barium (Ba), cobalt (Co), and mercury (Hg). The analysis was performed using a
Buck Scientific VGP 2010/2011 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, a precise instrument suitable for detecting
and quantifying trace metal concentrations. To ensure accuracy and reliability of the results, blank
determinations were also conducted by processing samples without soil to account for any background signals
or contamination.
Calculation
Heavy metal concentration (mg/kg) = (M- B) x V
W
Where:
M = Concentration (mg/L) of metal in the sample solution from AAS reading.
B = Concentration (mg/L) of metal in the blank solution from AAS reading
W = Weight (g) of soil sample used for digestion
V = Final volume (mL) of the digestion.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results of analyzed soils collected in close proximity from 12 locations are presented alongside with the control
experiment of the soil taken far way from automobile workshops. The heavy metals tested for are Lead (Pb),
Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) alongside with the physicochemical analysis.
Physicochemical Characteristics In Soil Of Mechanic Workshops In Obio/Akpor Lga.
Table 3 shows a summary of the important soil properties, like how the soil feels and what it’s made of, for
samples collected from the mechanic workshop area. This also shows the average levels of soil properties, and
comparison with controls that is, an area far away and not affected by the activities of automobile workshops.
pH
The soil samples exhibited alkaline characteristics, with pH values ranging from 6.44 to 8.91. Among the sites,
Eliozu recorded the highest average pH level of 7.62, closely followed by Choba, which had an average pH of
7.60. Rumuosi's soil had an average pH of 7.02, while Elelewon experienced the lowest pH reading of 6.64, as
detailed in Table 3. The control samples showed an average pH of 6.79, which was generally lower than the pH
values observed across all the study locations, except for Elelewon, where the pH was comparable. It is important
to note that soil pH plays a crucial role in influencing solute concentrations, as well as the processes of sorption
and desorption of contaminants within the soil matrix. Additionally, the availability of heavy metals in soil is
known to be pH-dependent (Iwegbue et al., 2006; Gonzalez-Fernandez et al., 2008). Most of the soils examined
in this study fell within the pH range of 6.0 to 9.0, a range in which many metals tend not to exist in their free,
soluble form. Consequently, within this pH interval, metals are less likely to be bioavailable for uptake by plants
and microorganisms (Porteus, 1985).
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Electrical conductivity
The measured electrical conductivity (EC) values across the sampled sites ranged from a minimum of 1090
µS/cm to a maximum of 1320 µS/cm. Among the locations, Choba exhibited the highest average electrical
conductivity, registering a value of 1250 µS/cm. This was followed by Elelewon, which had an average EC of
1170 µS/cm, and Eliozu, with an average of 1130 µS/cm. The site with the lowest average electrical conductivity
was Rumuosi, where the EC was recorded at 1110 µS/cm. When considering the control samples, the overall
average electrical conductivity was observed to be 1100 µS/cm. This value was notably lower than the average
EC values obtained from soil samples collected from all the other sites, indicating a slight variation in soil
properties across locations. It is important to note that none of the measured electrical
Conductivity values exceeded the critical threshold of 4000 µS/cm, a level at which soils are typically classified
as saline according to Donahue and Miller (1990). This suggests that, despite the variation in EC among the
different sites, none of the soils were considered saline, which has implications for soil suitability and plant
growth in these areas.
Soil Organic Matter
The soil organic matter ranged from 2.3 – 10.8 %. The Elelewon had the highest average soil organic matter of
7.63 %, followed by 6.67 % in Eliozu, 5.46 in Rumuosi and the
Table 3 Physicochemical characteristic of soil samples collected in Mechanic workshop in Obio/Akpor LGA.
Ph
Conductivity,
TOC, %
Nitrate, mg/kg
Phosphate, mg/kg
6.44
1130
2.42
4.74
0.31
8.51
1300
2.76
5.54
0.09
8.91
1320
2.76
8.96
0.09
6.55
1250
2.3
9.44
0.07
7.60
1250
2.56
7.17
0.14
6.44-8.91
1130-1320
2.30-2.76
4.74-9.44
0.07-0.31
6.57
1170
7.13
3.22
0.12
6.68
1170
10.8
5.72
0.16
6.67
1180
4.95
5.90
0.21
6.64
1170
7.63
4.95
0.16
6.57-6.68
1170-1180
4.95-10.8
3.22-5.90
0.12- 0.21
8.22
1140
5.06
3.94
0.08
7.02
1110
8.28
8.06
0.19
7.62
1130
6.67
6.00
0.14
7.02-8.22
1110-1140
5.06-8.28
3.94-8.06
0.08-0.19
6.81
1090
4.83
4.22
0.15
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6.96
1100
4.03
3.86
0.14
7.28
1140
7.48
10.3
0.26
7.02
1110
5.45
6.13
0.18
6.81-7.28
1090-1140
4.03-7.48
3.86-10.3
0.14-0.26
6.76
1097
5.28
29.58
0.29
6.82
1095
3.24
27.34
0.25
6.79
1100
4.26
28.5
0.27
6.76-6.82
1095-10.97
3.24-5.28
27.3-29.6
0.25-0.29
Lowest, 2.56 were obtained in Choba (Table 3). The average soil organic matter content in the control samples
was measured at 4.26, which was comparatively lower than the mean organic matter levels observed across all
other sampled sites. However, it is noteworthy that the control sites still exhibited higher organic matter content
than the site at Choba. The elevated levels of soil organic matter detected in the soils from the mechanic
workshops suggest a likely accumulation of organic materials, which is commonly associated with the addition
of carbon-rich substances. In this study, such an increase can be attributed to the presence of used oils and other
carbonated fluids typically found in mechanic workshop environments. According to research by Osuji et al.
(2006), these organic inputs may stimulate the proliferation of soil micro-organisms, which play a crucial role
in decomposing organic compounds within the soil matrix. The amount of organic matter observed in these soils
has been linked by Akoto et al. (2008) to its potential ability to bind toxic ions, thereby influencing soil
contaminant dynamics. Furthermore, organic matter in soils can act as a key factor in the immobilization of
heavy metals, especially under strongly acidic conditions, by forming insoluble complexes. Conversely, under
weakly acidic to alkaline conditions, organic matter can facilitate the mobilization of metals by creating soluble
organic-metal complexes. This dual role of organic matter in either sequestering or mobilizing metals is well-
documented, with Brümmer and Herms (1982) providing foundational insights into these processes. Overall, the
presence and quantity of organic matter in the soils from these sites highlight the complex interactions between
organic inputs, microbial activity, and metal mobility, which are critical for understanding soil health and
contamination potential.
Soil Phosphate
The concentration of phosphate in the soil samples varied between 0.07 mg/kg and 0.31 mg/kg across the
different sites. Among these locations, Rumuosi exhibited the highest average soil phosphate level, measuring
approximately 0.18 mg/kg. This was followed by Elelewon, which had an average of about 0.16 mg/kg. The
lowest average soil phosphate concentrations were observed in Choba and Eliozu, both recording roughly 0.14
mg/kg. Notably, the control samples, which were not subjected to the same conditions as the test sites, showed
a higher average soil phosphate concentration of 0.27 mg/kg. This value surpassed the mean concentrations
observed across all the sampled sites. In soils, phosphorus exists in two primary forms: organic and inorganic
(mineral). Its availability is generally limited because it tends to have low solubility in soil matrices. The
decomposition of organic materials and crop residues significantly contributes to the pool of available
phosphorus in the soil environment, enhancing its accessibility for plant uptake. This process plays an essential
role in maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth, as detailed in resources such as www.smart-
fertilizer.com/articles/phosphorus.
Soil Nitrate
The soil nitrate concentration ranged from 3.22 – 10.3 mg/kg. The Choba had the highest average soil nitrate of
7.17 mg/kg, followed by 6.13 mg/kg in Rumuosi, 6.00 mg/kg in Eliozu and the lowest, 4.95 mg/kg, and was
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obtained in Elelewon (Table 3). The soil nitrate concentration of the control samples was 28.5 mg/kg, which was
higher than the average concentration of the soil collected in all the sites.
Heavy Metals Concentration Of Various Soils Of Mechanic Workshops In Obio/Akpor Lga.
Table 4. Presented data on the concentrations of various heavy metals found in soil samples collected from
different mechanic workshops within the study area. It also provided the mean index concentrations of these
heavy metals in the soils of the mechanic workshop sites and comparisons with the control sites as well as with
International and National regulatory established limits.
The measured concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) across
all the mechanic workshops ranged from 0.78 to 7.55 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), 0.02 to 0.09 mg/kg, 2.38
to 7.63 mg/kg, 25.8 to 29 mg/kg, and 0.59 to 4.03 mg/kg, respectively. These values indicate the variability in
heavy metal contamination levels among different workshops within the study area. The analysis of the data
revealed a pattern in the extent of pollution caused by these metals, with iron (Fe) exhibiting the highest
concentrations, followed by manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd). This trend suggests
that iron contamination was most prevalent in the soil samples, while cadmium exhibited the lowest levels among
the metals assessed. Overall, the findings underscore the significance of iron and manganese as the dominant
pollutants in the soils of the mechanic workshops, highlighting potential environmental and health risks
associated with heavy metal accumulation in these areas.
Lead
The highest average concentrations of lead (Pb) recorded were found in Rumuosi, with a mean value of 5.05
mg/kg. This was followed by Elelewon, which had an average of 3.07 mg/kg. Choba exhibited a mean
concentration of 2.43 mg/kg, while Eliozu displayed the lowest mean level at 1.88 mg/kg. These concentrations
significantly exceeded the levels observed at the control site, where the average Pb concentration was only 0.79
mg/kg. However, despite being higher than the control, these values remained below the permissible limits set
by regulations in various countries including WHO. In comparison, the Pb levels obtained in this study were
considerably lower than the 1162 mg/kg reported by Nwachukwu et al. (2011) for an auto mechanic workshop
area in Owerri, Southeast Nigeria. The relatively high mean concentrations observed in these locations highlight
the widespread environmental contamination with lead, primarily attributable to human activities, especially
those related to automobile maintenance and repair. It is well-documented that lead constitutes the highest
proportion of heavy metals present in waste oils (Oguntimehin et al., 2008). Elevated lead levels in soils can
adversely affect soil fertility and productivity, and even low concentrations can interfere with essential plant
processes such as photosynthesis, cell division (mitosis), and water uptake. Such interference manifests through
toxic symptoms including dark green leaves, wilting of older foliage, stunted growth, and brown, short roots
(Singh et al., 2011). These elevated levels of lead are likely exacerbated by the improper disposal of waste oil,
emissions from automobiles, and discarded expired motor batteries, often dumped indiscriminately by battery
chargers and auto mechanics in the surrounding environments.
Cadmium
Scientists checked how much of metal called cadmium was in different places. The most cadmium was found in
Rumuosi, with a tiny amount of 0.06 milligrams for every kilogram of soil. Next was Elelewon with 0.04, then
Choba and Eliozu, both with 0.03. These amounts are a little higher than what is usually found in places that are
not polluted, but they are still lower than the safety limits set by other countries and also lower than WHO
standard limit. Another study found much higher amounts of cadmium, between 3 and 8 milligrams per kilogram,
which is much more than what were found in this study. The amount of cadmium in this study is below the
dangerous limit set by Europe, which is 3 milligrams per kilogram. The main cause of cadmium in the
environment is from factories that make steel, but in the places we looked at, it probably comes from things like
car oils, wheels, and metal parts used to make engines stronger.
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Table 4. Heavy metal concentrations of soil samples collected in Mechanic workshop in four communities in
Obio/Akpor local Government Area.
Pb, mg/kg
Cd, mg/kg
Mn, mg/kg
Fe, mg/kg
Cu, mg/kg
1.52
0.02
3.3
26.2
1.32
3.47
0.04
4.44
27.23
4.03
3.93
0.02
5.13
28.09
1.48
0.78
0.02
5.43
27.18
0.61
2.43
0.03
4.58
27.2
1.86
0.78-3.98
0.02-0.04
3.30-5.43
26.2-28.1
0.61-4.03
300
3
N/A
N/A
140
85
0.8
N/A
N/A
36
85.0
0.8
NA
N/A
36.0
NA
3
NA
N/A
300
2.49
0.03
6.44
27.2
1.19
3.46
0.06
6.27
29.0
1.77
3.26
0.02
4.43
27.0
0.64
3.07
0.04
5.71
27.7
1.20
2.49-3.46
0.02-0.06
4.43-6.44
27.0-29.0
0.64-1.77
300
3
N/A
N/A
140
85
0.8
N/A
N/A
36
2.6
0.03
4.79
26.8
0.59
1.16
0.02
2.38
25.8
0.85
1.88
0.03
3.59
26.3
0.72
2.60-1.16
0.02-0.03
2.38-4.79
25.8-26.8
0.59-0.85
300
3
N/A
N/A
140
85
0.8
N/A
N/A
36
2.35
0.05
7.63
28.6
1.86
5.24
0.03
4.93
26.9
1.66
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7.55
0.09
5
28.8
2.5
5.05
0.06
5.85
28.1
2.01
2.35-7.55
0.03-0.09
4.93-7.63
26.9-28.8
1.66-2.50
300
3
N/A
N/A
140
85
0.8
N/A
N/A
36
0.80
0.03
4.67
28.4
0.67
0.78
0.03
4.65
28.0
0.63
0.79
0.03
4.66
28.2
0.65
0.78-0.80
0.03
4.65-4.67
28.0-28.4
0.63-0.67
300
3
N/A
N/A
140
85
0.8
N/A
N/A
36
Manganese
Scientists measured how much manganese, a type of metal, was in the soil in different places. They found the
most manganese in Rumuosi, where there were about 5.85 units. The next highest was in Elelewon with about
5.71 units. Choba had about 4.58 units, and Eliozu had the least, with about 3.59 units. These amounts were
usually higher than what they found in a special, clean area called the control site, which had about 4.66 units.
Right now, there are no official rules about how much manganese is safe in the soil, but scientists are still
studying it.
Iron
The highest mean concentrations of iron,28.1 mg/kg was found in Rumuosi, followed by 27.7mg/kg in Elelewon,
27.2mg/kg in Choba and the lowest mean concentration, 26.3mg/kg was found in Eliozu. These were lower than
the concentration in control site with average of 28.2mg/kg. Iron supplementation is generally recommended
only in cases where there is a confirmed deficiency, as excessive intake can be harmful. Elevated levels of iron
in the bloodstream can lead to oxidative damage, affecting vital cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and
lipids. This oxidative stress can contribute to tissue damage and has been linked to various health issues,
including organ dysfunction and increased risk of certain chronic diseases. When excess iron is detected in the
body, it can be effectively managed using specialized chelating agents, notably deferoxamine (C25H48N6O8).
This compound functions by binding to free iron ions, forming stable complexes that are then excreted from the
body, thereby reducing iron overload. The process of iron regulation and removal highlights the importance of
maintaining optimal iron levels for health and the potential dangers associated with both deficiency and excess
(Tenenbein, 1996).
Copper
The highest average levels of copper contamination, measuring 2.01 mg/kg, were observed in the Rumuosi area.
Following this, the Choba region exhibited a mean copper concentration of 1.86 mg/kg. In comparison, Elelewon
showed a lower average of 1.20 mg/kg, while Eliozu recorded the lowest mean concentration at 0.72 mg/kg
among the sampled locations. These figures surpass the copper levels found in the control site, which had an
average concentration of approximately 0.65 mg/kg. Nevertheless, they remain below the permissible safety
thresholds established by regulatory standards in various countries, including WHO. The elevated copper levels
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
Page 376
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in these areas can be largely attributed to the presence of automobile wastes that contain electrical and electronic
components, such as copper wiring, electrodes, and copper pipes. Additionally, corroding vehicle scrap metals,
which have been discarded and accumulated over time in the vicinity of these communities, contribute
significantly to this contamination. As these metal remnants undergo corrosion, they gradually release copper
ions that leach into the surrounding soil environment, leading to increased concentrations. This process is
supported by findings from Nwachukwu et al. (2011), who documented the contribution of vehicle-related waste
and corrosion processes to soil metal contamination in similar settings.
Correlation of Soil Characteristics in Mechanic Workshop in Obio/Akpor.
Tables 5, shows the result of the statistical analysis of the correlation between soil characteristics in mechanic
workshops in Obio/Akpor. The correlation was performed at 95% confidence level (α=0.05) and 99% confidence
level (α=0.01). The results showed that at 95% confidence level, there is significant positive correlation between
pH and conductivity with correlation value of (r= 0.617) and between Pb and Cu with correlation value of (r=
0.556) and between Cu and Cd with value of (r= 0.536). Also there was negative correlation between
conductivity and phosphate with value of (r =- 0598). Furthermore at 95% confidence level, there was positive
significant relationship between Pb and Cd with value of (r=0.676) and between Cd and Fe with value of (r=
0.684) and Mn and Fe with the value of (r= 0.680) in the soil samples collected from mechanic workshops in the
study area. There were positive correlations of lead with copper and cadmium. There were positive correlations
of cadmium with iron and copper. There were positive correlations of manganese with iron.
Table 5: Correlation of Heavy metals in soil samples collected from Mechanic workshops in Obio/Akpor LGA.
pH
Conductivit
y
TOC
Nitrat
e
Phosphat
e
Pb
Cd
Mn
Fe
Cu
Ph
1.00
Conductivit
y
.617*
1.00
TOC
-0.26
-0.33
1.00
Nitrate
-0.14
-0.27
-0.13
1.00
Phosphate
-0.51
-.598*
0.12
0.52
1.00
Pb
0.33
0.15
0.24
-0.38
-0.07
1.00
Cd
0.01
-0.16
0.51
-0.04
0.17
.676*
*
1.00
Mn
-0.10
0.04
0.15
-0.16
-0.37
0.17
0.39
1.00
Fe
0.04
0.01
0.28
0.35
0.09
0.33
.684*
*
.680*
*
1.00
Cu
0.43
0.39
-0.01
-0.32
-0.18
.556*
.536*
0.14
0.24
1.00
*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
CONCLUSION
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ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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The environmental contamination with heavy metals often results from activities such as the spilling of
automobile fluids—like motor oil, antifreeze, and other lubricants—onto the ground, as well as the corrosion
and degradation of metal components in vehicles and infrastructure. Such activities gradually increase the levels
of heavy metals in the soil, which can then be absorbed by plants or leach into groundwater, further spreading
pollution. In the context of Rivers State, Nigeria, one notable source of automobile waste is the numerous motor
servicing centers, commonly referred to as mechanic workshops. These facilities are prevalent in urban and
suburban areas and are significant contributors to environmental pollution due to their handling of various
automotive fluids and metals. The use and disposal of fossil fuel products in these workshops often lead to the
accumulation of heavy metals in the surrounding environment. This contamination not only affects the
immediate vicinity but also extends to nearby agricultural lands, where crops and soil quality may be
compromised. Consequently, these activities create non-point sources of pollution—diffuse sources that are
difficult to control and monitor—posing ongoing threats to local ecosystems, human health, and agricultural
productivity.
Arising from the discussion of the findings, it is clear that the soil in the study areas is polluted. The Soil is
polluted by some physicochemical and heavy metal parameters such as Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Cu. The soil is
ascertained to be polluted as a result of effluent discharge from automobile mechanic workshops that
accumulates in the soil in close proximity. Most of the automobile wastes dumped on the soil apart from
containing heavy metals also acidify the soil, exposure to this; pose serious health treats to the inhabitant of the
study area. In order to avert this menace, there should bioremediation of the affected areas and workshops should
be cited far away from residents.
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