Accumulation of Heavy Metal Concentration and Physicochemical Parameters in Soil From Alice Landfill Site in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Heavy metals are unique environmental and industrial pollutants scattered naturally and found almost in all phases of the environment. In certain limited areas in several parts of the world, many people and animals have suffered from several severe diseases caused by trace elements or heavy metal deficiencies and their toxicities, unaware of their existence. The compounds of Pb and Cd are classified as human carcinogens by numerous regulatory agencies. The soil samples digested using the aqua regia method, and concentration quantified through the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this study, Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations were recorded high on the landfill site compared to the control site. Their concentration exceeded the permissible limits from WHO. Pb concentration ranges between 0.46ppm to 1.81ppm, Cd range from 0.98ppm and 0.56ppm, and Hg has a high concentration that varies between 6.28ppm and 1.69ppm. On the contrary, the Cu concentration reportable to be lesser than accepted WHO limits compared to the other two selected elements. The mean concentration of Cu ranges from 0.41 ppm to 0.72 ppm. Soil pH for both sites ranged from slightly acidic (6.67) to neutral (7.09), which falls within the normal range suggested by WHO. High Hg and Pb concentration in this study is a thing of concern. Undertaken this study to help address the soil pollution problem due to the illegal disposal of waste that results in metal accumulation.