Analysis and Hazard Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils Around Transformer Installation Areas

BACKGROUND. Soil contamination resulting from the use and handling of petrochemicals and other petroleum products during power generation activities is an increasing global concern due to its adverse impact on the ecosystem. OBJECTIVES. The present study was carried out to determine the concentrations and speciation of potentially toxic metals in oil-contaminated soils around transformer installation areas in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and to confirm soil pollution levels with hazard quotient and hazard index analysis. METHODS. Soils from the transformer oil-contaminated and uncontaminated (control) areas were collected at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals were fractionated and their hazard evaluated to confirm the pollution level of the contaminated soils. RESULTS. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the two sets of oil-impacted soils were higher than in the control soils. The metals also had relatively moderate bioavailability and mobility potential with more of the proportion retained in the residual fraction. Chronic daily intake (CDI) of the metals increased in the order of: Cd < Cr < Pb < Ni < Mn < Cu < Zn < Fe, while chronic daily intake risk exposure pathway followed the order of: CDI(inhalation) < CDI(dermal) < CDI(ingestion.) CONCLUSIONS. The study concluded that the concentrations of the metals were within permissible limits, but the chronic daily dosage was significant and may pose a health hazard to humans with long term exposure to these heavy metal contaminants. COMPETING INTERESTS. The authors declare no competing financial interests.