Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com Scholars Research Library Archives of Applied Science Research, 2011, 3 (4):147-156 (http://scholarsresearchlibrary.com/archive.html) ISSN 0975-508X CODEN (USA) AASRC9 147 Scholars Research Library Comparative Test Analysis of Petroleum (Diesel and Gasoline) Soots as Potential Sources of Toxic Metals from Exhausts of Power Plants *F. A. Atiku 1 , P. O. Ikeh 2 , U. Z. Faruk 2 , A. U. Itodo 1 , A. Abdulhamid 3 and I. I. Rikoto 4 1 Department of Chemistry, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria 2 Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria 3 Department of Biochemistry, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria 4 Sokoto Energy Research Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Soot samples from Diesel (D 1-6 ) and Gasoline (G 1-6 ) based engines were investigated for the presence of occluded toxic metals which may fragment or volatilizes into the near atmosphere through air current. AAS analysis revealed that while the Cd 2+ level in raw Gasoline (Gr) amount to 10.708ppm, over 90% could have volatilized out, leaving an estimated value of 0.932±2.852ppm in the soot. Almost all available Cd 2+ escaped leaving a non detectable limit as against 3.316ppm in raw diesel. The sources of the estimated lead (Pb) in the soot could not be traced to the original gasoline (Gr =0.00ppm). Other investigated parameters include acidic pH for both samples, High conductivity for diesel soot and fairly high bulk density for Gasoline soot. Generally presumed volatility level of some of these metals in the soot is an indication that fragmented soot could contribute to environmental pollution of heavy metal. Key words: Soot, Petroleum, Heavy Metals, Exhausts, Diesel and Gasoline. ______________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Hundreds of elements and compounds such as lead, cadmium, chromium, benzene and formaldehyde are known to be emitted during the combustion of fuel in electric power plants, engine of vehicles, furnaces and even fire places. Some compounds are added to liquid fuels for various reasons (such as MTBE, TEL, etc) to rise the octane no of the fuel and also to oxygenate the fuel in winter months to reduce urban smog).The largest source of air pollution is the automobiles and the pollutants released by the automobiles and cars are usually grouped as