Assessment Of Elemental Concentrations Of Roadside Soils In Relation To Traffic Density In Calabar Nigeria

Abstract This study employs Particle Induced X-ray Emission PIXE analytical technique for the analysis of elemental concentrations in the roadside soils in Calabar Nigeria in order to ascertain the levels of heavy metals in relation to traffic density. Twenty one elements viz. Al Si P Cl K Ca Ti V Cr Mn Fe Ni Cu Zn Ga As Rb Sr Zr Nb and Pb with concentrations in ppm ranging from 9.03.8 Ga to 192560.3789.5 Si respectively were detected from ten different sample locations. Significant enrichment were obtained for Mn7.677 Cu5.189 Zn5.203 5.177 and 6.554 Ti 5.723 5.395 and 5.000 Cr 6.901 7.323 and 14.321 P5.683 5.750 and Si6.747 respectively indicating that their concentrations were sufficient to pose environmental problems. High concentrations of Pb in areas of high traffic density and the Strong positive and significant correlation results corroborate with results of enrichment factor cluster analysis and counting statistics of number of vehicles plying sample locations thereby confirming heavy metals on roadside soils in Calabar to be associated with vehicular emissions.