posted on 2022-01-20, 10:20authored byGbadebo Clement Adeyinka, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Samuel Ayodele Iwarere
In this study, the pollution levels, sources, and ecological risks
associated with five selected heavy metals (chromium, copper,
iron, lead, and zinc)were evaluated in surface water, soil, and sedi?ment systems along the Isipingo River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The surface water, soil and sediment samples collected along the
river, were preserved, transported, and stored followed the stan?dard procedures. Soil and sediment samples were digested for
heavy metal determination using a microwave digestion system.
The digested samples were quantitatively analysed using an induc?tively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The
results demonstrate that majority of the targeted heavy metals
were found below the detection limits in surface water except for
iron (Fe), which was found within the concentration range of 9.54 to
46.76 µg/L. Lead was found below the detection limit in water, soil,
and sediment samples, while other heavy metals were within the
range not detected(ND)to 0.222 µg/kg dry weight and 0.212 µg/kg
dry weight in soil and sediment respectively. The ecological risk
assessment of the studied metals in soil and sediment systems from
this riversignified that water from this river had less probable
potential adverse effects on both animals and humans as well as
benthic organisms.
Funding
The authors wish to thank the Department of the Chemical EngineeringMangosuthu University of Technology for providing the research facilities.