Environmental Assessment of Harmful Elements in Soil and Flora around Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Dumpsite in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna PC, Onyeizu T, Kanu C, Uchendu UI, Uzonu I
DOI Info: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5805065
ABSTRACT
The purchase of “tokumbo” electronics with very short life span in Nigeria has resulted in the disposal and burning of large quantity of e-waste in some cities in Nigeria. Thus, this study assessed soil and plant samples from e-waste dumpsite in Abuluoma, Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 0-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 and 81-100 cm depths at east (E), south (S), west (W), north (N) and center (C) of the e-waste dumpsite while plant samples (Pennisetum purpureum, Vernonia amygdalina and Amaranthus spinosus) were collected around the point soils with the exception of the center of the dumpsite. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for harmful elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg and Cr). In soil, the value of Cd (1.43±0.21 mg/kg) was higher than the permissible limits of FAO/WHO. Pb (34.18±5.60 mg/kg) was higher than the accepted limit by FEPA and Hg (0.4767±0.03 mg/kg) was higher than the Dutch target value for soil. In plants, the values of Pb (2.70±0.10 mg/kg) and Cr (2.73±0.37 mg/kg) were higher than the permissible limit by FAO/WHO. Thus, e-waste released harmful elements in the soil and accumulated in plants. The implication is that man, including animals that relied heavily on these plant species for food and medicinal purposes will be exposed to bioaccumulation of harmful elements. Therefore, it is recommended that Rivers State government should carry out serious awareness campaign to dissuade people from accessing plants growing on or around e-waste dumpsite for food or medicine.
Affiliations: Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Keywords: E-waste, Soil, Food Crops, Harmful Elements, Abuluoma
Published date: 2021/12/30
