Sample of soil and plant (Sida acuta burm F.) were collected from 30 sites of 24 roads. The samples
were analyzed for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Mn using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The soil
physico-chemical parameter, pH and particle size distribution was also determined. Levels of Pb, Cd,
Zn, Cu and Mn in soil were 15.28 – 76.92, 1.96 – 9.80, 41.66 – 237.96, 1.60 – 4.88 and 76.00 – 132.00
mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Results of concentrations in plants ranged were from trace – 32.37, 4.88
– 14.93, 27.78 – 185.19, 1.67 – 3.89 and 20.00 – 110.00 mg/kg dry weight for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Mn,
respectively. The soil pH was from 6.22 – 8.44 while sand and loamy sandy textural classes constitute
the soil samples. For both experimental soil and plant samples, the mean concentrations were found to
follow the decreasing orders; Zn > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cd and Zn > Mn > Pb > Cd > Cu, respectively. Mild
correlation between traffic density and metals in samples with the exception of plant Pb content,
suggest that automobile emission couple with waste dispose along the roads remain a threat. The
findings in general indicate the levels of metals in soil and plant samples were within the EU limits with
the exception of Cd. In addition, the high level of Cd appears to reach pollution levels and metal
dynamics up the food chain is highly possible.