Determining the Level of Heavy Metal in Orange (Citrus sinensis) within AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine

Bachelor Thesis , 2012 , 60 Pages , Grade: 72.00

Environmental Sciences

The levels of four different heavy metals Arsenic (As), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) were determined in orange samples (Citrus sinensis) cultivated near the Sansu tailings dam of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine. The concentrations of the four metals in the orange samples were analysed from twenty (20) orange samples. Ten samples were collected randomly from the tailings site and extra ten (10) samples were purchased as control from Akrokeri (outside the Obuasi Municipality). Atomic absorption spectrometer was used to determine the concentrations of these metals in the fruits. The average concentrations of the heavy metals (As, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the orange samples from the tailings site were 4.81mg/kg, 1.52 mg/kg, 1.04 mg/kg, and 0.74 mg/kg respectively. The average concentrations of the heavy metals (As, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the orange samples from the control were 0.43 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, 0.32 mg/kg, and 0.15 mg/kg respectively. The WHO gives the maximum permissible level of As, Zn, Pb, and Cu as 0.5mg/kg, 0.4mg/kg, 0.4mg/kg, and 0.3mg/kg respectively. Based on these levels it was concluded that the orange grown at the tailings site is a health hazard for human consumption.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF ACRONYMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF APPENDICES

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Background
1.2 The Problem Statement
1.3 Justification
1.4 The Research Objectives
1.5 The Structure of the Thesis

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2.1 Taxonomic Classification and Physiology of Orange
2.2.2 Nutritional Benefits of Orange
2.2.3 Definition of Heavy Metals
2.2.4 Bio-accumulation of Heavy Metals
2.2.5 Heavy Metal Tolerance
2.2.6 Heavy Metal Remediation
2.2.7 Factors Affecting Metal Availability
2.2.8 Plant Uptake and Transport of Metals
2.2.9 Uptake Mechanisms of Plants
2.2.10 Transport within the Plant
2.2.11 Xylem Transport
2.2.12 Phloem Transport
2.2.13 Sources and Uses of Copper
2.2.14 Lead Poisoning
2.2.15 Natural Sources of Lead
2.2.16 Mining Operations as a Source of Lead
2.2.17 Transport and Bioaccumulation of Lead
2.2.18 Chemistry of Arsenic
2.2.19 Arsenic in the Environment
2.2.20 Health Effects of Arsenic
2.2.21 Environmental Effects of Arsenic
2.2.22 Chemistry of Zinc
2.2.23 Occurrence of Zinc
2.2.24 Environmental Impacts of Zinc
2.2.25 Tailings Composition and Storage
2.2.26 Phytoremediation

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Study Area
3.2.1 Location
3.2.2 Climate
3.3 Materials
3.4 Experimental Design
3.5 Methods
3.5.1 Acid Digestion
3.6 Limitations of the Study

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Results for Heavy Metal Concentration
4.2.1 Concentration of Zinc in Orange Samples
4.2.2 Concentration of Arsenic in Orange Samples
4.2.3 Concentration of Copper in Orange Samples
4.2.4 Concentration of Lead in Orange Samples

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 DISCUSSION
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Concentration of Zinc
5.3 Concentration of Arsenic
5.2 Concentration of Copper
5.3 Concentration of Lead

CHAPTER SIX
6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Introduction
6.3 Contribution to Knowledge
6.4 Recommendations
6.5 Issues for Future Research

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

• College: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Agriculture and natural resources)
• Course: Forest resources technology (land reclamation and rehabilitation)
• Grade: 72.00
• Author: Samuel Duah (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 60
• Catalog Number: V379576
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668564848
• ISBN (Book): 9783668564855
• Language: English
• Tags: determining, citrus, anglogold, ashanti, obuasi