eng Science and Education Publishing World Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2333-1283 2016-08-11 4 2 26 28 10.12691/wjac-4-2-3 WJAC2016423 article A.A Chokor aachokor@gmail.com 1 E.O. Ekanem 2 Department of Chemistry, Federal University Otuoke, Nigeria Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria Soils samples taken at depths, 0 - 15, 15 - 30, 30 - 45, and 45 - 60cm from five automobile workshops in Sapele metropolis were analysed for heavy metals. The total heavy metal pollution status, within the depths and between the locations was determined by method adopted by Lacatusu. At all locations considered, the heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd) found were much higher than that from the control sample. The concentrations of Cu and Cd at most locations and depths were also higher than the recommended critical limits for several countries. Cadmium was not detected in control soil but values ranging from 1.35 to 9.97mg/kg were recorded for the automobile workshops soils. The degree of metal pollution was in order: Okerigwre > Gana New Rd. > Shell Rd. > Ajogodo > Akintola. http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjac/4/2/3/wjac-4-2-3.pdf heavy metals contamination soils profile automobile workshops pollution status