Soot samples from Diesel (D1-6) and Gasoline (G1-6) 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 Cd2+ 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 Cd2+ 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.
