ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION: A STUDY IN THE INDUSTRIAL TANNERY WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LEATHER AND SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY (NILEST), ZARIA

Abstract

Heavy metals, such as chromium, cadmium, lead cupper and others, pose significant environmental risks. Elevated levels of these metals can result in soil and water contamination, adversely affecting both ecosystems and human health. This study aims at investigating the presence and distribution of heavy metal contamination in leather research tannery disposal site, to identify its sources and propose effective remediation strategies to mitigate environmental and health risks. A total of five locations within the sites were chosen. The samples were collected at depth of about 15-20cm below the earth surface and thoroughly mixed to form a composite into polyethylene bags. Analytes in solids samples were transferred into solution employing mechanical sample preparation. Elemental determination of analytes was carried out using acid digestion procedures and Nitrichydrochloric acid (HNO₃-HCl) at the ratio of 3:1. Heavy metals; (Cr, Pb, Co, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn) presence were identify in the samples and their concentrations determined using Buck Scientific model 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with deuterium background correction lamp.  This result revealed the following heavy metal concentrations; Cr, Pb, Co, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the studied area and identified significant levels of heavy metals contamination in the tannery waste disposal site Cr, Pb, Co, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn, with Chromium, Iron, Manganese and Zinc showing notable amount ranging from 14.3-1249.3 mg/Kg These findings present a genuine environmental concern, contributing a valuable insight to the understanding of heavy metal contamination and provides a baseline for informed decision-making in environmental management.