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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 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
- Heavy metal contamination in agricultural products
- Health risks associated with heavy metal ingestion
- Environmental impact of mining activities
- Heavy metal bioaccumulation in plants
- Assessment of heavy metal levels in food products
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research aimed to determine the levels of arsenic, zinc, lead, and copper in orange samples cultivated near the Sansu tailings dam of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine. The study sought to assess the potential health risks associated with consuming oranges grown in the contaminated area.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One provides an introduction to the research, outlining the problem statement, justification, objectives, and the structure of the thesis. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, focusing on the taxonomic classification and physiology of oranges, the nutritional benefits of oranges, the definition of heavy metals, bio-accumulation of heavy metals, heavy metal tolerance, heavy metal remediation, and factors affecting metal availability.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the text include heavy metals, arsenic, zinc, lead, copper, orange, Citrus sinensis, mining, tailings dam, bioaccumulation, health risks, environmental contamination, food safety, and heavy metal remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heavy metals were tested in the oranges?
The study tested for Arsenic (As), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), and Copper (Cu) in orange samples from the Obuasi mine area.
Where were the contaminated samples collected?
Samples were collected near the Sansu tailings dam of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine in Ghana.
Are the oranges from the tailings site safe to eat?
No, the study concluded that oranges grown at the tailings site are a health hazard as metal levels exceed WHO permissible limits.
How do the metal levels compare to WHO standards?
For example, the average Arsenic level was 4.81 mg/kg, which is significantly higher than the WHO limit of 0.5 mg/kg.
What equipment was used for the analysis?
An atomic absorption spectrometer was used to determine the exact concentrations of heavy metals in the fruit samples.
What is bio-accumulation?
Bio-accumulation refers to the process where plants absorb and store heavy metals from contaminated soil or water over time.
- Quote paper
- Samuel Duah (Author), 2012, Determining the Level of Heavy Metal in Orange (Citrus sinensis) within AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/379576
