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Concentrations of Pb and Other Associated Elements in Soil Dust 15 Years after the Introduction of Unleaded Fuel and the Human Health Implications in Pretoria, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua O. Olowoyo

    (Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Ntebo Lion

    (Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Tshoni Unathi

    (Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Oluwaseun M. Oladeji

    (Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

Abstract

Leaded fuel has been reported to contain certain amounts of toxic trace metals such as Pb and Cadmium (Cd), which may have negative impacts on humans and the environment. Unleaded fuel was introduced to South Africa in 2006 with the aim of reducing and eventually eliminating the negative impact of leaded fuel on the environment. However, trace metals are usually nonbiodegradable, and it may therefore be necessary to monitor their presence in the environment so as to evaluate their possible impact on human health. The present study evaluated the levels of Pb and other heavy metals in soil samples collected from petrol (gas) filling stations and from busy roads just around the filling stations in Pretoria, South Africa, fifteen years after the introduction of unleaded fuel. A total of twenty-four (24) soil samples were analysed for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and cadmium (Cd) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the concentrations of the trace metals were in the following ranges: Pb, 0.08 ± 0.02–188.36 ± 15.32 ug/g; Mn, 5.35 ± 0.34–6842.43 ± 1.35 ug/g; Zn, 1.82 ± 0.22–9814.89 ± 22.32 ug/g; As, 0.21 ± 0.00–8.42 ± 2.44 ug/g; Cu, 10.51 ± 3.41–859 ± 0.09 ug/g; Cr, 5.80 ± 2.21–417.70 ± 9.08 ug/g; Ti, 19.94 ± 4.99–1036.12 ± 1.49 ug/g; and Fe, 3.06 ± 7.87–674.07 ± 12.22 mg/g. The highest concentrations from all the elements were recorded for Fe in all the collected soil samples. The concentrations of Pb in the soils collected from sites associated with high traffic and industrial areas were higher than for those from all other sites, and the differences were significant ( p < 0.05). The pollution index (PI), which is the anthropogenic influence of the trace metals, and the geoaccumulation (Igeo), which allows for the removal of possible variations as regards the studied element in the soil due to the possible differences in the background value, showed that some samples were enriched anthropogenically. The PI for Ni, Pb, Cu, and Cr indicated highly anthropogenically contaminated soils, especially at sites associated with high traffic volumes and in industrial areas. The Igeo showed moderately polluted areas for Pb and Cu in high-traffic areas. The exposure routes for the toxic trace metals that were of concern in the study were either through ingestion or dermal contact. The calculated hazard quotient showed both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for Fe and Mn via ingestion and through dermal contact for both children and adults, respectively. The concentrations of Pb were high and similar to those that were previously reported in the study and pointed to vehicular emission as one of the contributors. The study also noticed an increase in the presence of Mn and Fe in all soil samples.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua O. Olowoyo & Ntebo Lion & Tshoni Unathi & Oluwaseun M. Oladeji, 2022. "Concentrations of Pb and Other Associated Elements in Soil Dust 15 Years after the Introduction of Unleaded Fuel and the Human Health Implications in Pretoria, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10238-:d:891047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Uchenna Okereafor & Mamookho Makhatha & Lukhanyo Mekuto & Nkemdinma Uche-Okereafor & Tendani Sebola & Vuyo Mavumengwana, 2020. "Toxic Metal Implications on Agricultural Soils, Plants, Animals, Aquatic life and Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-24, March.
    2. Caspah Kamunda & Manny Mathuthu & Morgan Madhuku, 2016. "Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Witwatersrand Gold Mining Basin, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-11, June.
    3. Pei-Hsuan Yao & Guey-Shin Shyu & Ying-Fang Chang & Yu-Chen Chou & Chuan-Chou Shen & Chi-Su Chou & Tsun-Kuo Chang, 2015. "Lead Isotope Characterization of Petroleum Fuels in Taipei, Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, April.
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    1. Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo & Unathi Chiliza & Callies Selala & Linda Macheka, 2022. "Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Bottled Water Purchased from Various Retail Stores in Pretoria, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-9, November.
    2. Radu Lucian Olteanu & Cristiana Radulescu & Petre Bretcan & Inga Zinicovscaia & Otilia Culicov & Konstantin Vergel & Danut Tanislav & Marius Bumbac & Cristina Mihaela Nicolescu & Ioana Daniela Dulama , 2023. "Geochemical Responses to Natural and Anthropogenic Settings in Salt Lakes Sediments from North-Eastern Romanian Plain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-48, January.

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