The impact of sewage disposal and tanning waste on the vegetation of Khartoum South, Sudan

Abstract

This study examined the effects of tanning waste and sewage disposal on Khartoum South's vegetation. The floristic composition, density, frequency, and species diversity of the vegetation were the factors under investigation. Chemical analyses for the elements Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Cd, and Zn were performed on soil and plant samples. Soil samples were collected from three locations in the study area at two depths: 0-5 cm and 10-15 cm. Plant samples of different species were collected for chemical analysis of the same elements mentioned above. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (5% level) and correlation between soil and plant elements in addition to T- and F-tests. The results showed that elements Ca and Mg had a positive correlation between plant species and soil samples, while elements Cr and Cd had a negative correlation between soil and plant samples. The results of T-test and F-test showed no significant differences between element concentrations at two soil depths and three locations in the study area. The study concluded that the drastic change in the vegetation of the area was caused by sewage and tanning.