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Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals and a Metalloid in Agricultural Soils in Tarkwa, Ghana

Author

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  • Nesta Bortey-Sam

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shouta M. M. Nakayama

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Osei Akoto

    (Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Yoshinori Ikenaka

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan)

  • Elvis Baidoo

    (Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Hazuki Mizukawa

    (Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan)

  • Mayumi Ishizuka

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan)

Abstract

Heavy metals and a metalloid in agricultural soils in 19 communities in Tarkwa were analyzed to assess the potential ecological risk. A total of 147 soil samples were collected in June, 2012 and analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn. Mean concentrations (mg/kg dw) of heavy metals in the communities decreased in order of Zn (39) ˃ Cr (21) ˃ Pb (7.2) ˃ Cu (6.2) ˃ As (4.4) ˃ Ni (3.7) ˃ Co (1.8) ˃ Hg (0.32) ˃ Cd (0.050). Correlations among heavy metals and soil properties indicated that soil organic matter could have substantial influence on the total contents of these metals in soil. From the results, integrated pollution (C deg ) in some communities such as, Wangarakrom (11), Badukrom (13) and T–Tamso (17) indicated high pollution with toxic metals, especially from As and Hg. Potential ecological risk (RI) indices indicated low (Mile 7) to high risks (Wangarakrom; Badukrom) of metals. Based on pollution coefficient ( C i f ), C deg , monomial ecological risk ( E i r ) and RI, the investigated soils fall within low to high contamination and risk of heavy metals to the ecological system especially plants, soil invertebrates and/or mammalian wildlife. This represented moderate potential ecological risk in the study area, and mining activities have played a significant role.

Suggested Citation

  • Nesta Bortey-Sam & Shouta M. M. Nakayama & Osei Akoto & Yoshinori Ikenaka & Elvis Baidoo & Hazuki Mizukawa & Mayumi Ishizuka, 2015. "Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals and a Metalloid in Agricultural Soils in Tarkwa, Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:9:p:11448-11465:d:55599
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Amuah, Ebenezer Ebo Yahans & Fei-Baffoe, Bernard & Kazapoe, Raymond Webrah & Dankwa, Paul & Okyere, Isaac Kwaku & Sackey, Lyndon Nii Adjiri & Nang, Douti Biyogue & Kpiebaya, Prosper, 2024. "From the ground up: Unveiling Ghana's soil quality crisis and its ecological and health implications," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 3(1).
    2. Miao Yi & Shiyi Zhang & Min Li & Jun Xiang & Bin Tang & Xiao Yan & Jing Zheng & Guiying Li & Taicheng An, 2022. "Spatial Distribution Profiles and Human-Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Surrounding Area Surface Soils of a Petrochemical Complex," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Nesta Bortey-Sam & Shouta M. M. Nakayama & Osei Akoto & Yoshinori Ikenaka & Julius N. Fobil & Elvis Baidoo & Hazuki Mizukawa & Mayumi Ishizuka, 2015. "Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Foodstuffs from Agricultural Soils around Tarkwa Area in Ghana, and Associated Human Health Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-17, July.

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