ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect ofmechanic village on selected soil physiochemical properties and heavy metal content in Ohia Umuahia Nigeria. Four replicates soil sample were collected from Spent engine oil, Automobile, Panel beating/Painting & control (Arable land) in three different soil depth medium (Top, Medium& Subsoil). A total of 12 soil samples were taken to the laboratory for the determination ofsoil physicochemical properties and heavymetal content. The data obtained from the study was analyzed using analysis ofvariance (ANOVA based on CRD and difference between the treatments means were determined using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (FLSD) at P<0.05. The results showed significant p<0.05 adverse effects among the different mechanic village locations and different soil depth with respect to controls in bull density, total porosity, mean weight diameter, conductivity etc. the chemical properties of the soil were significantly adversely affected by mechanic workshop activities due to indiscriminate discharge of waste, used acid &batteries, discharge of used engine oil influences the soil minerals such as Na, Ca, P, K, N, OC etc. the observed heavy metal present at the mechanic village were higher than the recommended ranges ofthe soil. Result reveals metalparameters decreasing trend as Pb>Cu>Fe> Cr>Zn>Cd>Ni (Top soil) & Pb>Cu>Fe>Zn>Cd>Cr>Ni(Sub-soil). This may be due to indiscriminate disposal of acids &used batteries and vehicle exhaust emission in the workshop area. Therefore, there should be stoppage of discharge petroleum oils and other chemicals indiscriminately into the environment and it advisable that some agroforestry practices that could increase the nutrient and lower the heavy metal should be employed in order to get rich yield and safe produced.