Evaluating Heavy Metal Pollution in Nigerian Coal: Enrichment Factors, Pollution Indices and Environmental Implications

Authors

  • Felix Omachoko Uloko
    Department of Physics, Federal University Lokoja.
  • Matthew Nnamdi Agu
    Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna
  • John Chidowerem Agomuo
    Nigerian Defence Academy
  • Instifanus Abaleni Joseph
    Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya, Kafanchan

Keywords:

Heavy metal pollution, Nigerian coal deposits, Enrichment factors, Pollution indices, Environmental implications

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a significant environmental concern in Nigeria, particularly in coal deposits. This study evaluates the level of heavy metal pollution in Nigerian coal deposits using enrichment factors and pollution indices. Coal samples were collected from Maganga, Gboko, Onyeama, Okobo, Opoko-Obido, Odagbo and Ofugo coal fields, and the concentrations of lead, arsenic, chromium, manganese, nickel, cobalt, strontium, antimony and barium were determined. The results showed significant levels of heavy metal pollution, with enrichment factors indicating anthropogenic sources. Pollution indices reveal moderate to high levels of pollution. The study highlights the need for effective environmental management and pollution control measures to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with the heavy metal pollution in Nigerian coal deposits.

Author Biographies

Felix Omachoko Uloko

Department of Physics, Federal University Lokoja. Lecturer II

Matthew Nnamdi Agu

Department of Physics, Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Kaduna State. Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering.

John Chidowerem Agomuo

Department of Physics, Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Kaduna State. Senior Lecturer.

Instifanus Abaleni Joseph

Department of Physics, Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya, Kafanchan

Dimensions

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Published

2025-04-15

How to Cite

Uloko, F. O., Agu, M. N., Agomuo, J. C., & Joseph, I. A. (2025). Evaluating Heavy Metal Pollution in Nigerian Coal: Enrichment Factors, Pollution Indices and Environmental Implications. Journal of Science Research and Reviews, 2(2), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2025.v2i2.58

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): JOSRAR Vol. 2 No. 2 (March - April)

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Felix Omachoko Uloko, Matthew Nnamdi Agu, John Chidowerem Agomuo, Instifanus Abaleni Joseph (Author)

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How to Cite

Uloko, F. O., Agu, M. N., Agomuo, J. C., & Joseph, I. A. (2025). Evaluating Heavy Metal Pollution in Nigerian Coal: Enrichment Factors, Pollution Indices and Environmental Implications. Journal of Science Research and Reviews, 2(2), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2025.v2i2.58