Abstract
The objective of this study is first, to investigate the level of heavy metals in soils from Agbogbloshie e-waste processing site (AEPS), the degree at which these heavy metals contaminate the area and finally, to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metals on workers and residents in around the AEPS. 132 soil samples were collected from the study area and the samples analyzed for Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn heavy metals after appropriate preparations were made. Results of the analysis showed mean concentrations of Cd, Cr and Ni considered as carcinogenic were lower than permissible levels of Dutch and Canadian soil standards. Mean concentrations however of Cu, Pb and Zn were between 100% and 500% higher than the permissible levels. Assessment of the degree of Contamination indicated Ni<Ba<Co<Cr<Zn<Hg<Cu<Cd<Pb in an increasing order as contributing to the degree of contamination with according to the degree of contamination index the burning, dismantling, residential and commercial considered as very highly contaminated. The health risk analysis of individual heavy metals in soil indicated non-carcinogenic risk of Cr, Hg and Pb with hazard index above the safe level of 1 in the burning and dismantling areas and as such could trigger neurological and developmental disorders in children less than six (6) years.
Highlights
Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities such as discharges from industries, vehicular emission, agriculture and other human induced activities
Results indicate that the mean concentrations of Ba in the burning, dismantling, residential and areas close to worship centres, as well as mean concentrations of Cu and Pb in the burning, dismantling, residential and recreational areas and that of Zn levels in burning, dismantling and residential areas were above action required limits of Dutch and Canadian soil regulatory standards
Mean concentrations of heavy metals considered as carcinogenic, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni as well as Hg measured in soil from all sites in the Agbogbloshie e-waste processing site (AEPS) were below the Dutch and Canadian soil regulatory limits
Summary
Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities such as discharges from industries, vehicular emission, agriculture and other human induced activities Heavy metals from these sources accumulate in soil which contaminate the soil but lead to uptake of elevated heavy metals by plants and affect food quality and safety [1,2,3,4]. The procedures of the informal recyclers and improper disposal of hazardous fractions contaminate the environment as a result of the release of heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants from the open burning and unsound dismantling of e-waste in Agbogbloshie posing human health and ecological risk.
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