iarjetIARJETIARJET2708-5163https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjet.2021.v02i01.028The Variation in Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Road Side Soil from Njairi - Gerie Highway in Adamawa State, NigeriaNachana’aTimothyThe concentrations of selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Co, Ni and Cu) along Njairi-Gerie highway were analyzed. Sample of road side surface soil were collected from five towns, these include Mubi, Hong, Gombi, Song and Gerei. Six samples were taken in each town at a distance of 10, 20 and 30 m away from the edge of the road on each (Eastern and Western) side, using soil auger and digested using HNO3 and HCl. Subsequently, the concentrations of these metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result revealed that Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Co, Ni and Cu were present in the studied soil samples. The mean concentration ranged from Cd(0.03±0.01-0.06±0.03 mg/Kg), Pb(0.37±0.03-1.90±0.15 mg/Kg), Zn(6.72±0.31-14.57±4.00 mg/Kg), Cr(0.01±0.00-0.07±0.02 mg/Kg), Fe(183.36±22.42-240.61±27.82 mg/Kg), Mg(4.13±0.08-5.30±0.09 mg/Kg), Mn(11.64±2.13-12.89±2.50 mg/Kg), Co(0.33±0.02-0.49±0.13 mg/Kg), Ni(0.16±0.01-0.42±0.87 mg/Kg) and Cu(0.14±0.01-0.17±0.02 mg/Kg). There was significant difference at p = 0.01 in the mean concentration of the heavy metals among the sites. Also the values of these heavy Metals decreased with increasing distance away from the edge of the road. Correlation analysis was performed and it was found that there was positive correlation among some of the heavy metals at p = 0.05 significant level. Generally the studied area was contaminated by almost all the elements. Consequently, it is imperative to continually assess and monitor the levels of heavy metals in the environment due to anthropogenic activities for evaluation of human exposure and for sustainable environment.