Determination of Levels of Heavy Metals in Soils at Suame Magazine

Abstract

 Background and objectives of study; Auto mechanics in Ghana have positively contributed to the transportation sector. However, they leave behind diverse waste materials on the soil within their workshops and the surrounding areas. These materials contain heavy metals, which in high concentrations, negatively effects the nervous, reproductive and vascular systems. This research aims at determining the levels of heavy metals such as lead, zinc, chromium and cadmium at the magazine. The results shall indicate the extent of pollution of the soils, and thereby contribute to data on heavy metals in Ghana. Methods: Fourteen soil samples were collected from two zones at Suame magazine in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Seven (7) samples from the spare parts dealers (lower zone) and the other seven from the working site (upper zone).The samples were digested and the concentrations of the metals determined by the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: Zinc had the highest concentration of 58.52 mg/kg and the least being chromium with concentration of 1.70 mg/kg. These concentrations were within the permissible limits of WHO. Conclusion: Heavy metals concentration was higher at where artisans work and low at the spare parts zone.