Browsing by Author "Dodd, Matt"

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    Contamination and Human Health Risk Due to Toxic Metals in Dust from Transport Stations in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
    (Chemistry Africa, 2020) Rweyemamu, Almachiusi Rwegasira; Nkansah, Marian Asantewah; Darko, Godfred; Dodd, Matt; 0000-0001-7157-646X
    The purpose of this study was to assess the contamination levels and human health risk that heavy metals in the dust from transport stations pose to the inhabitants of the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Dust samples were collected from 18 transport stations and analyzed for metals including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, Sb, Ni, and Zn using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer prior to confirmation on an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Mercury concentrations were determined using Lumex RA-915M Zeeman automatic mercury analyzer. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, Hg, Sb, and Zn were 6, 10, 130, 54, 30, 22, 16,518, < 1, 15 and 120 mg/kg, respectively. All the measured metal concentrations were higher than their background concentrations and the dust were heavily polluted with the metals. Pollution load indices revealed metal pollution was high in the metropolis. However, hazard indices for all the metals across the three exposure pathways were < 1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk for both adults and children. Exposure to multiple metals was the main potential non-carcinogenic risk to children. Cadmium showed high carcinogenic risk index exceeding the safe limit of 1E0-4 for children, indicating that children are at risk. The study generally observed a higher health risk to children via ingestion compared to adults.
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    Distribution of heavy metals in soils from abandoned dump sites in Kumasi, Ghana
    (Scientific African, 2020-10-23) Akanchise, Thelma; Boakye, Sandra; Borquaye, Lawrence Sheringham; Dodd, Matt; Darko, Godfred; 0000-0002-5037-0777; 0000-0002-7907-6520; 0000-0001-7157-646X
    This study investigated the heavy metal content and the extent of pollution in soils from abandoned dump sites in Kumasi, Ghana. Concentrations of heavy metals in the 70 soil samples were determined using a Niton XL3t GOLD field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and confirmed on an Agilent 7800 inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Mercury was determined with a Lumex mercury analyzer. Mean concentrations of metals in soils were in the order: Zn (166 mg/kg). Cr (67 mg/kg) > Cu (32 mg/kg), Ni (22 mg/kg) > Pb (11 mg/kg) Cd (8.9 mg/kg) > As (4.2 mg/kg) > Hg (0.04 mg/kg) for Kronum; and Zn (558 mg/kg), Cu (347 mg/kg), Pb (288 mg/kg) > Cr (77 mg/kg) > Ni (35 mg/kg) > As (11 mg/kg) > Cd (3.0 mg/kg) > Hg (0.19 mg/kg) for Amakom. Pollution indices (geo-accumulation, contamination factor, pollution load and potential ecological risk) indicated very high contamination for arsenic, cadmium and lead at Kronum and arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc at Amakom. Mercury recorded the least level of pollution for both dump sites. Regular monitoring of these abandoned dump sites is required. Remediation programs in these sites should also be instituted.
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    Distribution, bioaccessibility and human health risks of toxic metals in peri-urban topsoils of the Kumasi Metropolis
    (Scientific African, 2021-01-06) Konwuruk, Niib; Borquaye, Lawrence Sheringham; Darko, Godfred; Dodd, Matt; 0000-0002-5037-0777; 0000-0001-7157-646X; 0000-0002-7907-6520
    The occurrence of heavy metals in urban soils is of great environmental concern due to the unwanted health effect associated with their excessive exposure. The study assessed levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) in peri-urban communities of the Kumasi metropolis and evaluated sources and potential health risk associated with exposure to these metals. Soil samples collected from topsoils at a depth of 0–10 cm were subjected to x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy analysis for total metal quantification. The XRF results were then confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Soil pH, conductivity, and total organic carbon were determined using standard procedures. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals were As (10.11), Cd (12.91), Cr (77.97), Cu (20.20), Fe (23031), Pb (18.60), Mn (158.68), Ni (29.33), Sn (8.83), V (78.21) and Zn (49.27). The pH and electrical conductivity were in a range of 6.5 - 8.5 and 153 - 8990 μS/cm respectively. The mean total organic carbon was 8.85%. Pollution indicators such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index all showed that soil in the study area is of low degree of contamination. The potential ecological risk index projected a low-risk effect. In contrast, the hazard index and carcinogenic risk index indicated no significant human health risk associated with exposure to the metals presently. However, to regulate bioaccumulation effects, constant monitoring is essential.