ASSESSMENT OF CEMENT DUST POLLUTION ON FOREST SOILS AROUND DANGOTE CEMENT FACTORY GBOKO, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

This study evaluated the effects of cement dust pollution on forest soils surrounding the Dangote Cement Factory in Gboko, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three plots at varying distances: Site 1 (1 km), Site 2 (2 km), and a control (12 km). Fifteen soil samples were obtained (0–30 cm depth), air-dried, sieved, and analyzed. Major oxides were analyzed using titrimetric and flame photometric methods. Heavy metals were extracted via aqua regia digestion and analyzed using AAS. Soil pH and electrical conductivity were measured using calibrated meters. Fourteen soil parameters were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, percentages and ANOVA. Chemical analysis revealed elevated concentrations of CaO, MgO, Na2O, and K2O in soils closer to the factory. CaO concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.005) near the factory (6.24%) compared to the control (4.57%). Soil pH (6.67 to 7.74) showed a slight alkaline increase near the factory, with a significant increase (p<0.005) compared to the control (6.67). Heavy metal concentrations (Zn (4.32 mg/kg at 1km), Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb) were below permissible limits, but displayed an increasing trend with proximity to the factory and a decreasing trend compared to the control (2.77 mg/kg). These findings suggest soil degradation likely caused by cement dust deposition, highlighting the need for environmental monitoring and mitigation.