The purpose of this study was to assess
physicochemical parameter and heavy metal concentration of the soil in and
around Robe town, Bale zone, Ethiopia. Seven soil samples (three from dump
sites and four from farm lands) were collected and analyzed through different
methods for analyzing the physicochemical parameters like, pH Sand/Silt/Clay
Content, MC, OM. and the heavy metals including Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn and Pb, were
investigated using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The analyzed result of all sites revealed that, high
moisture content % (14.83 ± 2.57to 19.96 ± 0.72), pH slightly acidic except S2
which is slightly basic, (5.77 ± 0.08 to 7.60 ± 0.33),high organic matter %
(13.83 ± 0.49 to 16.60 ± 0.90), sand % (53.00 ± 4.51 to 65.33 ± 2.42), silt %
(19.33 ± 1.03 to 24.84 ± 4.62), clay % (11.33 ± 1.03 to 19.50 ± 2.50) sandy
nature of soil were observed and the concentration of heavy metals such as: Cr
(32.53 ± 3.51 to 41.81 ± 1.06) ppm, Cd (0.57 ± 0.21 to 0.93 ± 0.24) ppm, Cu
(26.54 ± 0.68 to 37.44 ± 2.72) ppm, Zn (66.98 ± 1.09 to 170.48 ± 1.51) ppm Fe
(33483.55 ± 1470.02 to 49012.18 ± 2692.20) ppm and Pb (18.04 ± 0.37 to 20.77 ± 0.46)
ppm were obtained. The results showed that all of the assessed heavy metals
below maximum permissible limit except Fe, which is above maximum permissible
limit that recommended by Ewers, Based on the results obtained from the study
the level of metals concentrations safe for agricultural activities. But
different measures must be taken to minimize additional soil pollution.
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | July 1, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 Volume: 7 Issue: 3 |