Research Article

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Leachates and Crops Grown Around Waste Dumpsites in Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana

Robert Agbemafle
Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
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Samira Elsie Aggor-Woananu
Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Olivia Akutey
Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

John Kwesi Bentum
Department of Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Background and Objective: Accumulation of heavy metals in waste dumpsites affects soils and release concentrated leachate to the environment which further enters the food chain. Heavy metals accumulation results in serious health and environmental problems because of poisonous effects of these metals on plants and potential health implications to humans and animals consuming such vegetables from these dumpsites. The objective of this study was to assess the concentrations of 5 heavy metals (Cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium and copper) in leachates and crops grown around four selected waste dumpsites in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western region of Ghana. Materials and Methods: Leachates and crops samples were collected from the selected dumpsites, digested and the heavy metals concentrations were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The mean concentrations of the heavy metals in the leachates and the crops grown at the selected dumpsites were found to be high as compared to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. Zinc and copper concentrations were higher in leachates from Essipong waste dumpsite. Conclusion: Zinc and copper were the most abundant heavy metals in most of the crops from the selected dumpsites. Heavy metals concentrations in crops must be monitored regularly since the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution manifest many years after exposure.

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Robert Agbemafle, Samira Elsie Aggor-Woananu, Olivia Akutey and John Kwesi Bentum, 2020. Heavy Metal Concentrations in Leachates and Crops Grown Around Waste Dumpsites in Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 14: 16-25.

DOI: 10.3923/rjet.2020.16.25

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjet.2020.16.25

Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology

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Authors

Robert Agbemafle

Samira Elsie Aggor-Woananu

Olivia Akutey

John Kwesi Bentum

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Research Article

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Leachates and Crops Grown Around Waste Dumpsites in Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana

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