Analysis of heavy metals concentrations in Earthworms and Cattle Egret feathers and eggs collected around an informal electronic waste recycling and dumpsite
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: TPS 621: Exposure to metals, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: The Agbogbloshie electronic waste recycling and dumpsite is considered one of the most polluted places on earth. Processes involved in recycling activities are ostensibly informal, including dismantling with locally made tools, and burning of cables to retrieve copper wires resulting in release of toxic chemicals into the ambient environment. This study analyzed heavy metal concentrations in earthworms and Cattle egrets feathers and eggs around the Agbogbloshie informal e-waste recycling and dumpsite. Methods: Earthworm and Cattle egret quill feathers and eggs were collected around the e-waste site and analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data. Correlation analysis was done to establish relationship between heavy metal concentrations earthworms, bird feathers and eggs. Results: The order of heavy metals concentrations were As > Pb > Cd. Median As, Pb and Cd concentrations in earthworms, feathers, eggshells and egg content were; As [18.46 (IQR: 8.24-24.33); 6.67 (IQR: 5.78-7.18); 6.20 (IQR: 0.26-9.50) and 6.23 (IQR: 4.53-7.14) µg/g], Pb [5.39 (IQR: 4.71-9.99); 1.89 (IQR: 1.44-2.25), 1.17 (IQR: 1.11-1.99) and 1.18 (IQR: 0.86-1.47) µg/g] and Cd [5.102 (IQR: 4.98-5.99), 0.024 (IQR: 0.01-0.05), 0.142 (IQR: 0.00-0.41) and (0.000 (IQR: 0.00-0.00) µg/g]. There was a positive correlations in concentrations of heavy metals between feathers, shells and egg content. Conclusion: Heavy metal levels in earth burrowers (earthworms), bird feathers and eggs reflect the level and scope of environmental pollution due to informal e-waste recycling
Source: Environmental Epidemiology
Institutions: University of Ghana, McGill University, University of Michigan
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W2981557576