Investigation of heavy metals in soil samples affected by burnt hospital waste using atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Akpan Okon Peter Akpan Okon Peter,Philip Peter Udeme Philip Peter Udeme,Etim Idopise Gabriel Etim Idopise Gabriel,Emmanuel Asuquo Edet Emmanuel Asuquo Edet

doi:10.30574/ijsra.2022.5.1.0202

Akpan Okon Peter Akpan Okon Peter, Philip Peter Udeme Philip Peter Udeme + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2022.5.1.0202

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Abstract

This research work was carried out to investigate heavy metals in soil samples affected by burnt hospital waste standards analytical procedure. The result reveals the presence of the following heavy metals concentration ranges from chromium (Cr) 0.90 ± 0.12-1.20±0.00 (mg/kg), lead (Pb) 1.10±0.0-2.20±0.11 (mg/kg), Silicon (Si) 0.05±0.03-2.20±0.11 (mg/kg), Cadmium (Cd) 0.55±0.13-0.55±0.02 (mg/kg), silver (Ag) 0.03±0.01-0.05±0.03 (mg/kg), Cobalt (Co) 0.06±0.14-0.88±inc (Zn) 10.00±0.01-11.12±0.11 (mg/kg). However, higher concentrations were recorded for zinc, lead and chromium. Hence the need for proper method of disposing hospital waste is recommended and the health care waste managers should be educated on the implication of improper management of incinerator bottom ash and regulates monitor hospital waste generator sites.

Highlights

Hospital waste are generated as a result of patient’s diagnoses and treatment or immunization of human beings or animals
The result of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Si, Co, Ag, Cd, Zn) in selected soil samples from General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene are presented in Table 1 and Fig. 2 below
The investigation of heavy metals in soil samples affected by burnt hospital waste was carried out and the result of Chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.90 ± 0.12 to 1.20 ± 0.01. this result shows that the level of Cr in the samples were not within EPA permissible level of Chromium (Cr) (0.05 mg/kg) in the soil. (Table 2), the location can be said to be polluted

Summary

Introduction

Hospital waste are generated as a result of patient’s diagnoses and treatment or immunization of human beings or animals. Hospital waste are universal set having subjects like infectious and hazardous wastes. Managed hospital waste can result in severe health hazards. The large amount of solid waste in generated in the hospital during diagnoses and treatment of diseases, the waste may contain human organs, bandages, syringe, test tube, tissues, cell culture and other plastic material. These wastes can cause health hazard, the incinerator is an effective and hygienic way of disposal of hospital waste. The most important role of soil is its productivity which is basic for human survival

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