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RESEARCH ARTICLE: Evaluation of the Levels of Selected Heavy Metals in Mangrove Ecosystem and Roadside Topsoil in Ghana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 September 2012

David K. Essumang ,
Louis K. Boamponsem ,
Christian K. Adokoh ,
John K. Bentum ,
Christiana Owusu ,
Millicent E. Adu-Boakye  and
Joseph Afrifa
David K. Essumang*
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Louis K. Boamponsem
Affiliation:
Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Christian K. Adokoh
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; and Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
John K. Bentum
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Christiana Owusu
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Millicent E. Adu-Boakye
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Joseph Afrifa
Affiliation:
Laboratory Technology Department, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
*
David K. Essumang, PhD, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; (phone) +233208214443; (e-mail) kofiessumang@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Trace metals were determined in the soil and water of four lagoons, two estuaries, and four heavy-traffic roads in Greater Accra along the Atlantic coast of Ghana. The results showed that water samples from all of the water bodies studied were polluted with mercury (Hg) and less polluted with arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The pollution status of water samples was confirmed by contamination degree (CD) analysis, which yielded values of >1 of Hg and <1 of As, Ni, and Cd. Evaluation of the data from the soil sample was enhanced by the application of pollution quantification tools—the pollution load index (PLI) and the index of geoaccumulation (IGEO)—which showed that the mangrove swamp soil studied is progressively degrading with Hg, As, Ni, and Cd. It was also revealed that vehicular emissions were a potential source of lead (Pb), Ni, and manganese (Mn) in the roadside soils monitored. From the results of this study, it is clear that the mangroves are gradually degrading and that measures should established to control release of these metals into the environment.

Environmental Practice 14:173–183 (2012)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , September 2012 , pp. 173 - 183
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2012

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