ABSTRACT
Aim
The concentration levels of selected trace metals in coal samples collected from three different locations, namely Okaba coal deposit Kogi State, Onyeama coal deposit and Ribadu both in Enugu state, were investigated in this study.
Method
The representative coal samples were analysed for the presence of trace metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Copper using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
Result
The mean concentrations of 0.043 ± 0.007, 0.020 ± 0.006, 0.032 ± 0.006 and 7.245 ± 0.557 (mg/kg) were observed for the selected metals. The concentration of the selected metals investigated with the exception of Lead was found to be above detection limit for EPA – NBS standard and compared to the previous work done globally.
Conclusion
The emission of coal has been attributed to the release of critical heavy metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Copper, into the environment thereby posing a threat to human health and endangering the ecosystem.
Acknowledgments
Authors acknowledged Rotas SoilLab, Ibadan for permission to use their state of the art laboratory.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.