Browsing by Author "Niib, Konwuruk"

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    Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in Peri-urban areas of Kumasi
    (KNUST, 2018-08) Niib, Konwuruk
    The occurrence of heavy metals in urban soil is of great environmental concern due to the effects associated with excessive exposure. The main purpose of the work was to measure the levels and determine possible health risks due to excessive exposure to some selected metals. A total of 73 soil samples were collected from the top soil of Peri- Urban areas of Kumasi at a depth of 0-10 cm and subjected to the X - ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. Soil pH, conductivity and total organic content were also determined. pH and electrical conductivity were in a range of 6.5 - 8.5 and 153 S/cm - 8990 S/cm respectively for all samples. The mean concentrations of metals analyzed were Pb (18.60 0.53 mg/kg), Cu (20.20 2.34 mg/kg), Ni (29.33  2.0mg/kg), Cr (77.97 4.35 mg/kg), Zn (49.27 3.56 mg/kg), Fe (23031 10.56 mg/kg), Mn (158.688.56 mg/kg) ,V (78.215.34 mg/kg), Sn (8.834.85 mg/kg), Cd (12.9152 mg/kg) and As (10.112.93 mg/kg). The enrichment factor (0.2090.004), contamination factor (0.4830.003) and Pollution Load Index (0.0570.004) indicated that soil in the study area is not polluted. The Potential Ecological Risk Index projected low risk effect whereas Hazard Index and Carcinogenic Risk Index indicated no human health risk associated with exposure to these metals. Bioaccessibility of surface soil samples was estimated using the modified in vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET), with the results indicating that the bioaccessibility of the metals were all below 100%. However, to regulate bioaccumulation effect, constant monitoring is required