Impacts of Cement Dust Emissions on Soils within 10km Radius in Ashaka Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Type Journal Article - Environment and Pollution
Title Impacts of Cement Dust Emissions on Soils within 10km Radius in Ashaka Area, Gombe State, Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 4
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 29-36
URL http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ep/article/viewFile/39573/23908
Abstract
This study examines the impacts of cement dust emissions on physicochemical properties of soils within 10km
radius from the plant (factory) in Ashaka area, Gombe State. Standard procedures used in soil sampling involves
collection of soil samples along a transect aligned in the north-east to south-east direction in order to reflect the
dominant two opposing air masses direction; the north-easterly (November-April) and south-westerly
(May-October) air masses. Physicochemical analysis of the soils was carried out using standard laboratory
procedures in the laboratory. Results of the analysis has revealed that the cement dust which contains high
calcium has impacted the soils by increased soil pH, calcium (Ca) content, total bases, base saturation and pH
dependent cation exchange capacity (CEC). The impact is observed most within the radius of 0-5km from the
plant with a diminishing impact from the 5km towards the 10km radius. Similarly, results of the analysis has
shown also that there are signs of slight impaction of bicarbonate (HCO3) and electrical conductivity (EC)
arising from the cement dust on the soils. Recommendations were offered to monitor the dust falling on the soils
through trapping and utilizing the dust emissions to cement.

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