Heavy metal pollution potential in soil influenced by sawmill operations at Ado-ekiti, Nigeria

Pollution potentials of heavy metals in soils around a Sawmill at Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria were evaluated. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) values were positive, less than 1.0 and within Class 1 Igeo grade indicating none to moderate pollution of the soils by the heavy metals. Chi-square analysis showed that the Igeo values were not significantly different at the various sampling distances indicating that the heavy metals were not spatially influenced in the soils. Co, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr had positive Relative Pollution Potential (RPP) values at all sampling points with a few exceptions whereas, As and Cu had negative RPP except As (90 m, +0.93; 125 m, +0.15). The positive RPP values indicate the metals were likely introduced at the impact point while negative RPP values (As and Cu) would be from lithological sources but the Chi-square values were not significantly different. The indices did not point to serious pollution concerns. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(1), 29-34, 2018