Heavy Metal Contamination of Soils in Aladja and Its Environs: Assessing the Impact of Steel Industry Activities on Soil Quality and Environmental Health

Abstract

This study investigates the extent of heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding the Delta Steel Company (DSC) in Aladja, Ovwian, and Warri, Southern Nigeria. The steel industry, while essential for economic development, has been implicated in significant environmental degradation, particularly through the release of heavy metals such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Soil samples were collected from 29 locations at varying distances from the steel plant, and their concentrations of heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The physiochemical properties of the soils, including pH, total organic carbon (TOC), and total organic matter (TOM), were also assessed to understand their influence on metal mobility and bioavailability. Results indicate elevated concentrations of heavy metals near the steel plant, with iron (Fe) exhibiting the highest concentration (3249 mg/kg), followed by lead (Pb) at 705 mg/kg. Other metals such as Cu, Mn, and Zn also showed elevated levels, with mean concentrations of 52.5 mg/kg, 358 mg/kg, and 46 mg/kg, respectively. These metals pose a serious risk to environmental health, particularly by decreasing soil fertility and contaminating water sources. This study underscores the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations, soil remediation efforts, and public health interventions to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution in the Niger Delta region. Future research should focus on deeper soil layers and additional heavy metals to provide a more comprehensive assessment of environmental contamination in the area