Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Urban Soils and the Implications to Consumers Health
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Date
2015-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Natural Sciences Research
Abstract
Elevated levels of metals due to anthropogenic activities are a cause of environmental concern because of their
effects on human health. Eldoret Municipality, in Kenya, is one of the fastest growing municipalities with both
industrial and agricultural developments. The study aimed at determining the concentration of five elements
namely zinc (Zn), lead (Pd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in five sample sites within the
municipality and established the possible health risks in the residents. Measured concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu
and Cd in surface horizon soils were used to estimate the geochemical load indices and their spatial distribution.
Four soil samples were collected monthly from each sample site on the same farms totaling 200 soil samples.
The samples were dried, ground and sieved for metal digestion using varied acids in the laboratory and analysis
was done against metal standards using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Only Cd concentration
(0.0286mg/kg) in all sites was above the recommended unpolluted soils. Epidemiological data were obtained
from the residents and hospitals to establish associated health risks. Determination of metals’ combined effects
using multivariate Principal Component Analysis showed that varying concentrations of Zn and Pb tended to
increase incidences of cancer, hypertension and stroke. Metals Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations correlated with
development of cardiovascular diseases. Awareness rising to residents of Eldoret Municipality on high Cd
concentration in the soil and use of alternative forms of fertilizers and related chemicals with low Cd content is
recommended.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Elements, Human Health, Spatial Distribution, Urban Soils
Citation
Ngure, V., Sitati, N., Shisia, S., & Kinuthia, G. (2015). Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Urban Soils and the Implications to Consumers Health. Journal of Natural Sciences Research. 5(17), pp. 75-83