Abstract
The heavy metal contents of some solid wastes produced in residential areas, a market, a cafeteria and the composts in Ibadan, Nigeria, were measured. The solid wastes produced in low density areas with higher per capita income showed higher levels of many heavy metals. The cafeteria waste showed low levels of some of these metals. Composts had high levels of some metals. The solid wastes dumped on roadsides enter streams and rivers which may leach out the heavy metals. In parts of Lagos some of the waters are highly acidic (pH = 3.4) which accelerates the dissolution of heavy metals. (McFarlane-PTT)