December 2013

Application of solid phase extraction (SPE) method in determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river water samples

Trace levels of PAH pollutants are difficult to detect in water samples due to their low solubility. During this study, SPE method was used to improve the detection of the PAH analytes. A Visipre SPE vacuum manifolds sample preparation method was used to clean-up the river water samples before analysis. Twelve samples were simultaneously extracted via the unit. This method is generally faster and significantly increases...

Author(s): Shadung J. Moja and Fanyana Mtunzi

December 2013

Aqua regia and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) trace metal levels in agricultural soil

Soil samples were collected from irrigation farmlands along the bank of Mada River and analysed for aqua regia and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) extractable trace metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn Ni, Fe and Mn) concentrations. Water samples at source were also collected for analysis. Metal levels were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Aqua regia and EDTA extractable Fe and Cd concentrations were...

Author(s): B. W. Tukura, N. L. Usman and H. B. Mohammed

December 2013

Determination of total petroleum hydrocarbon in soil and groundwater samples in some communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

The determinations of total petroleum hydrocarbon in soil and groundwater samples were studied at five communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. The result of the analysis indicates that soil samples obtained from Station A at various depths of 1.0 -2.0 m, 3.0 - 4.0 m and 4.0 - 5.0 m were contaminated with Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) of concentrations 1320.00, 1516.66 and 1063.16 mg/kg, respectively. The result also...

Author(s): Alinnor I. J. and Nwachukwu M. A.

December 2013

Evaluation of heavy metals in soils around auto mechanic workshop clusters in Gboko and Makurdi, Central Nigeria

The concentration levels of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soils around two major auto mechanic workshop clusters in Benue State, Central Nigeria was investigated to ascertain the possible environmental impact of these clusters. Results of the atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis of samples of the soils revealed that for the majority of heavy metals, the concentrations in the soils...

Author(s): Aloysius A. Pam, Rufus Sha’Ato and John O. Offem