ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF LITHOLOGICAL SAMPLES FROM METALLIC SCRAP YARD IN CHOBA AND ENVIRONS IN PORTHARCOURT, NIGERIA

Abstract

Scrapyard activities are critical to metal recycling and waste management but are often associated with environmental degradation, particularly soil contamination and potential groundwater pollution. This study investigates the impact of scrapyard operations on soil quality and groundwater contamination in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, with field samples collected from Eliozu, Alakahia (First Mechanic), Choba, and Aluu. Fifteen (15) samples were collected, treated and analyse to determine soil physicochemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, water-holding capacity, organic carbon, and heavy metal concentrations (e.g., Pb, Cd, Fe). The results revealed that the soil pH ranged from 6.24 to 7.57, indicating neutral to slightly acidic conditions, while electrical conductivity varied significantly between 19 µS/cm and 857 µS/cm, reflecting localized salinity differences. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals were observed, particularly Lead (Pb), with values up to 63.156 mg/kg, and Cadmium (Cd), reaching 0.125 mg/kg in certain hotspots, exceeding permissible limits for safe soil use. Organic carbon levels ranged from 1.27% to 9.99%, highlighting variability in soil fertility due to anthropogenic activities. Geospatial analysis demonstrated contamination hotspots near scrapyards, with heavy metal concentrations decreasing with distance from these activities. The study concludes that unregulated scrapyard operations are significant contributors to soil contamination, posing risks to environmental quality and public health. This research establishes a baseline for environmental assessments in the region and underscores the need for sustainable waste management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of scrapyard activities. Recommendations include enforcing environmental regulations, implementing soil remediation strategies, and conducting regular monitoring of both soil and groundwater resources.