Abstract
The levels of lead, zinc, iron, copper and cadmium metals in the urine samples of selected school children in industrial and non-industrial areas in Dar es Salaam were investigated. Urine samples were collected from 120 children in industrial areas and 120 children in non-industrial areas then digested in concentrated acids and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals in the urine samples ranged from below detection limit/non-detectable (ND) to 1.92 mg/L for lead, ND to 2.55 mg/L for zinc, ND to 8.98 mg/L for iron and ND to 0.05 mg/L for copper. Cadmium was not detected. Significant differences were found between the concentrations of heavy metals in urine of pupils from the industrial areas and those from non-industrial areas. The mean concentrations of lead and copper in samples from industrial areas were significantly higher than those found in non-industrial areas (p < 0.002), while the mean concentrations of zinc and iron found in samples from non-industrial areas were significantly higher than those found in industrial areas (p < 0.0001). The contamination levels were generally high in samples from both areas indicating exposure from various sources. The findings indicate public health risks.
Highlights
The determination of heavy metals in urine has been the subject of continuous interest in the biomedical and environmental sciences[1]
Urine samples were collected from 120 children in industrial areas and 120 children in non-industrial areas digested in concentrated acids and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS)
The mean concentrations of lead and copper in samples from industrial areas were significantly higher than those found in non-industrial areas (p < 0.002), while the mean concentrations of zinc and iron found in samples from non-industrial areas were significantly higher than those found in industrial areas (p < 0.0001)
Summary
The determination of heavy metals in urine has been the subject of continuous interest in the biomedical and environmental sciences[1]. Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth’s crust and they are released into the environment through human activities. Their widespread uses have resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world. The important sources of heavy metals in African Health Sciences the environment include weathering of the earth’s crust, soil erosion, mining, smelting, industrial effluents, urban runoff, sewage discharge, pest or disease control agents applied to crops, manufacturing and recycling activities, paints, leaded gasoline, batteries, ceramic glazes, jewellery, toys, cosmetics, traditional medicines, drinking water delivered through metal pipes and many others[7]. The body stores the metals in the teeth, bones and other tissues where they accumulate over time, while some amounts of the metals are removed from the body through the excretory systems[7]
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