Profiling of Heavy Metals, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils Around Automobile Workshops in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The primary aim of this research was to assess heavy metal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) loading in soils around selected automobile workshops in Port Harcourt Metropolis and associated environmental risks. The study was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Gas Chromatography (GC FID). It focused on three active automobile workshop locations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: AP Filling Station Mechanic Workshop, Y Junction Haruk Road Mechanic Workshop, and Rumuagholu Road Mechanic Workshop. From the results obtained, TPH concentrations at the three sites are 612.342 ppm at AP Filling Station, 901.145 ppm at Y Junction, Haruk Road, and 865.212 ppm at Rumuagholu Road exceeded the U.S. EPA's recommended range of 100 to 500 ppm, indicating significant petroleum contamination. Similarly, PAHs concentrations of 924.50 ppm, 543.50 ppm and 1211.11 ppm at the above respective sites were significantly above the U.S. EPA limit of 10 ppm and other similar studies, reflecting severe contamination. For heavy metals, Nickel, Vanadium, Copper, Chromium, Iron, Lead concentrations were far below their respective maximum regulatory limits. Remediation techniques like Detoxification by Chemical Reaction (DCR) Technology, phytoremediation and bioremediation should be explored to restore contaminated soil.