Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in E-Waste Contaminated Site at Akwatia-Line, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

E-waste processing sites abound with heavy metals that negatively affect the environment and human health. The study determined the presence of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Al) and their spatial distribution in an e-waste processing site in a developing country setting. pH, moisture, organic matter/carbon, and particle size were determined in 30 soil samples. The spatial position of each sampling point was picked with a GPS device, and the area was mapped in a GIS environment. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Findings from the study indicate that the soil is polluted with heavy metals, and rich in organic carbon/matter, but has low pH. The Geoaccumulation Indices ranged from unpolluted (Al) to strongly/extremely polluted (Cu). Pollution Load Index showed about 77% of the samples as extremely/heavily polluted, 10% as heavily polluted, and 13% as moderately polluted. Contamination Factors of Zn, Pb, and Cu were very high but considerably low for Hg and Al. Regular monitoring and remediation are required for the soil to be restored and put into productive use.

Keywords: E-waste Pollution, Spatial Distribution, Heavy Metals, Pollution Indices