s AND TO

E L E M E N T A L ANALYSIS OF T R A C E E L E M E N T S R E L A T E D TO FAISALABAD ENVIRONMENT AND ITS C O - R E L A T I O N W I T H SOIL

Muhammad Attique Khan Shahid*, Prof. Dr. Khadim Hussain** and Mariam Saeed Awan*

^Department of Physics GC University Faisalabad (Pakistan).

**Department of Physics PU, Lahore (Pakistan).

Correspondence Author: +92-41-9201372

Abstract: The deposition of trace elements fromthe atmosphere to the ground is an important factorfor plants, animals and humans as well. A AS technique was used for the evaluation of trace elements in the solid aerosols and the soil samples of randomly selected sites related to Faisalabad environment. The concentration of Cd (54 %), Cr (25 %), Ni (29 %), Pb (24 %) ranging from (0.001 to 0.12), (0.001 to 0.24),(0.001 to 0.90),(0.001 to 0.082) with mean values 0.060,0.120,0.450,0.042 respectively were in little excess from (TLvs) while Cu (3 %), Zn (Nil) were within.permissible limits over all effect of all these trace elements on the environment is only 22.5%. While the concentration of trace elements in soil samples were found to be Cd(15.43%), Cu(3.61%), Zn(28.46%), Pb(52.50%) ranging from (0.17 to 1.37), (0.05 to 0.30), (0.47 to 2.36) and (0.62 to 4.62) respectively with mean values 0.77, 0.18, 1.42 and 2.62 having overall effect as 28.44%. Soil samples mostly related to industrial cum commercial areas with local and remote origin both. The reason behind that is the contribution of different kinds of industrie s like metallurgy, chemical industry, pulp, paper, fertilizers, textile, paint and leather industry are contributing these trace elements in the Faisalabad environment as additional pollutants and affecting the health of workers and residents living in the concerned areas. Currently they are not posing any serious risk for human health as was confirmed by slight variations in means, CVs, and SDs; But precautionary measures are still required because the cause of low concentrations may be due to use of filters and soluble form analysis of metals.

Key words: Elemental atmospheric air pollution, positive co-relationship with soil samples, Transportational environment, Negative impactonhumanhealth,Protective measures suggested.

1. Introduction

Environment, i n its wider sense, includes every thing, which is external to a human being. Trace elements i n the atmosphere represent geological, environmental and anthropogenic activities.

Therefore, i t is important to have a complete understanding o f an area to be studied for this purpose. Environmental P o l l u t i o n means the accumulation or concentration o f wastes that cannot be disposed o f f by natural recycling process due to their excessive quantity or unique chemical composition [1]. A n y substance that is present i n nature i n greater quantity than natural abundance due to human activity ultimately has detrimental effects on environment and therefore on l i v i n g organisms is called Pollutants e.g. C 0² CO, S 0² Cd, Hg, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, M n , Ca, Co and M g [2]. These chemicals are released into the atmosphere from different sources like coal related sources. H i g h temperature industrial process release coarse fractions o f N g , Ca, N i , M n , Cu and Zn. Automobile exhaust and fertilizer industries also release these metals, their compounds, or other salts [3]. A l l these metals produce different diseases like oxides o f Zinc along w i t h oxides o f Iron produce gastric disorder and vomiting, irritation o f skin and mucous membrane [4]. Nickel, Chromium, Cadmium and

Copper and Carcinogenic calcium causes slowing o f heart rate. Cobalt and Manganese cause chronic and acute poisoning which results i n Anemia and Hypertension [4]. When these chemicals are released into the atmosphere, they enter into the human chain, as soon as they enter biological system cause deaths in some cases [5] .In the current era, increased attention is being paid to protect the environment i n the developing countries. The concern stems primarily from recent advances i n information concerning health problems associated w i t h protection. Unfortunately, the evaluation o f the projects and policy reforms for environmental protection i n Pakistan has been rare. The purpose o f this study is to provide credible information on the subject. This work is a continuation o f our PhD proj ect submitted and published elsewhere.

2. Materials and Methods

The research project was carried out to estimate the trace elements like Cd, Cr, N i , Co, M n , Z n , Fe, Cu, Ca and M g i n the atmosphere o f various areas o f Faisalabad city.

50 sites for solid aerosols and 10 sites for soil samples were randomly selected for analysis covering industrial, Transportational, populous and

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residential nature o f the Faisalabad environment.

Using K i m o t o high volume air sampler for the collection o f suspended particulate matter i n the air o f four selected areas, sampling was done. The high volume air sampler used to pump 576m³ volume o f air. The filters used were the glass fiber filters, which have a collection efficiency o f 90 % for particles.

Samples were collected for a period o f 12 hrs and average flow rate o f 0.8m³/min. Particulate matter was trapped on each filter. Then filter was folded i n such a way that surface containing the deposits faced each other. The filter was weighed before and after sampling. Then using oxidizing acid mixture before elemental analysis, digested particulate matter from the filter was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Hitachi 2-8200). The data obtained were analyzed statistically using simple CRD [6]. A stainless steel trowel was used to take out the soil samples. The soil was taken from 0 to 5cm o f each topsoil. The soil samples were placed i n polythene bags and air was completely removed.

The samples were coded for lab analysis. 50 samples were randomly collected keeping i n view the residential (10), Industrial (20) and commercial (20) areas o f Faisalabad. Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickle (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Model No.: Varian AA-1475).

The amount o f each trace element was determined using an A A S technique. The stock standard solution o f each element was prepared by dissolving required salts i n deionized water, which then followed auto zeroing w i t h deionized water and was then run to provide U V absorbance for each respective standard.

The A A S was calibrated after every sample w i t h deionized water and the standard were also run after

10 samples to check for drift. Analysis o f each sample was done three times [7].

Trace elements were detected by A A S , and i t was seen that percentage o f Cd (54 % ) , Cr (25 % ) , N i (29

% ) , Pb (24 % ) ranging from (0.001 to 0.12), (0.001 to 0.24), (0.001 to 0.90), (0.001 to 0.082) w i t h mean values 0.060, 0.120, 0.450, 0.042 respectively were in little excess from (TLvs) while Cu (3 % ) , Z n ( N i l ) were within_permissible limits. Over all effect o f all these trace elements on the environment is only 22.5

% . . While the concentration o f trace elements i n soil samples were found to be Cd(15.43%), Cu(3.61%),

Zn(28.46%), Pb(52.50%) ranging from (0.17 to 1.37), (0.05 to 0.30), (0.47 to 2.36) and (0.62 to 4.62) respectively w i t h mean values 0.77, 0.18, 1.42 and 2.62 having overall effect as 28.44%..Mg, M n , As, Cd and Sb were found to be absent i n almost all the samples high concentration o f above said elements is due t o e x p e n d e d i n d u s t r i a l i z a t i o n , r a p i d urbanization, mechanized transportation . They generate 50 % o f Co, Pb, Cd, Cr, N i , Z n etc causing increase i n respiratory diseases. It was found that the trace elements like Cd, Cu, Pb and Z n found i n soil samples were also found i n solid aerosols related i n industrial cum transportational areas o f Faisalabad city. The media possibly was the w i n d erosion and a n t h r o p o g e n i c a c t i v i t i e s . M o r e o v e r , h i g h concentration in soil samples is also high in solid aerosols. However, the concentration o f some trace elements high i n solid aerosols, which may be possible because o f the migratory effect by w i n d erosion that shows that soil o f the certain locality (Industrial cum Commercial), is an active source for the air pollution o f the Faisalabad environment[8-

13]. However, the trace elements which do not exist in the soil but present i n the solid aerosols, i t is proposed that their source may be remote i.e., climatological, meteorological and geographical factors are also contributing. The homogeneity in the trace elements i n some samples and heterogeneity i n some other samples is apparently due to that fact that said aerosols i n the Faisalabad environment are well mixed as a product o f continuous deposition i n those places whereas on other places this do not happen which means that environment o f Faisalabad is polluted i n patchy areas and (homogenous and heterogenous) is very complex[14-15].

From these experimental findings i t was concluded that trace elements i n solid aerosols are not imposing any serious risks for the time being, as shown by slight variations o f means, standard deviations and CVs, but precautionary measures are still required because absence o f trace elements depends upon many factors, the most important factor was the use o f filters for detection and filtration purposes, i t may be possible that most o f trace elements remain i n filter residue, moreover the trace elements were estimated i n soluble form. Bondage o f trace elements i n the form o f insoluble compounds may also be responsible for exclusion o f these traces, without this, seasonal variations may have adverse

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effects on trace elements. For controlling the solid aerosols i n the air, i t is suggested that government must run a campaign on missionary basis for a lot o f tree plantation for the eradication o f the unnecessary addition o f solid aerosols i n the atmosphere o f Faisalabad city. Since trees are the best antidote for the cleaning o f atmosphere. The concerned authorities, the corporate sector and public must fight together against the demon o f pollution, as this is the real threat to the human health.

Acknowledgements

The authors are highly obliged to acknowledge the services o f Director N I B G E and N I A B along w i t h their technical teams for providing us Lab facilities, technical assistance when and where needed. Their valuable suggestions, I n time encouragements, healthy discussions and positive criticism i n getting this w o r k completed w i t h utmost ease and perfection.

References

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B and Teng J. 2007. Potentially toxic metal contamination of urban soils and roadside dust in Shanghai. J. Environandpollut; 21:341-506.

[13] Junhong .B.A, Baoshan CU, Wang O, Gao .H and Ding.O. 2008. Assessment of heavy metal contamination of roadside soils in Southwest China. J.

Stochastic Environ. Research and risk assessment ; 22:45-89.

[14] Cholak. J. 1989. The nature of atmospheric pollution in a number of communities. Proc 2^ntl National Air Pollution Symposium. Standard Research institute Los Angeles, California: 95-105

[15] Muthusubramanian. P. and S.P.M. Deborrah. 1989.

Estimation of concentration of suspended particulate matter collected inMadurrai city. Indiana Jour, Environ Prot,9(9):650 654.

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[5] Perry, R. andRJ. Young, 1997. HandBook of Pollution Analysis, London Champion and Hall, A halted press book John Weily and Sons, New York: 195.

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[7] Snedden and Josph. 1985. The use of electro thermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometric systemfor direct determination of Cu, Mn, and Cd in the atmosphere. Dep. Chem. NewMaxico State University Lascruses. NMUSA 18(10): 1261 -80 ( Chem. Abst.

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[9] Al-Khashman.A.O and Shawabkeh R A 2005. Metals distribution in soils around the cement factory in Southern Jordan. J. Environ pollut; 20:134-221.

[10] Dilek G 2005. Heavy metal contamination in highway soils, Comparison of Corpus Christi, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio shows organic matter is key to mobility. J. Water, air and soil pollut; 166:251-264.

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Table-1: Concentration of Trace Elements Detected in Solid Aerosols

Code Cd(PPm) Cu(PPm) Zn(PPm) Pb(PPm)

2K01 0.11 0.09 2.82 0.04

2K02 0.10 0.07 0.72 0.25

2K03 0.10 0.09 1.01 0.050

2K04 0.11 0.11 1.91 0.080

2K05 0.11 0.08 0.86 0.09

2K06 0.10 0.09 0.91 0.08

2K07 0.09 0.12 0.85 0.04

2K08 0.12 0.09 1.04 0.05

2K09 0.11 0.09 1.42 0.06

2K10 0.12 0.09 1.24 0.04

2K11 0.12 0.11 1.38 0.07

2K12 0.10 0.13 1.39 0.05

2K13 0.12 0.09 1.20 0.026

2K14 0.12 0.11 1.44 0.024

2K15 0.12 0.07 1.32 0.025

2K16 0.12 0.09 1.35 0.068

2K17 0.12 0.05 1.13 0.051

2K18 0.11 0.05 1.23 0.051

2K19 0.09 0.09 1.17 0.049

2K20 0.08 0.10 0.77 0.068

2K21 0.11 0.12 1.17 0.05

2K22 0.09 0.11 1.25 0.07

2K23 0.10 0.10 1.51 0.06

2K24 0.12 0.10 1.42 0.058

2K25 0.09 0.11 1.40 0.049

2K26 0.10 0.09 1.23 0.049

2K27 0.10 0.10 1.20 0.024

2K28 0.13 0.09 1.36 0.023

2K29 0.11 0.09 1.21 0.025

2K30 0.12 0.12 1.21 0.038

2K31 0.11 0.21 1.42 0.034

2K32 0.006 0.57 1.42 0.024

2K33 0.007 1.28 1.40 0.076

2K34 0.006 1.18 0.95 0.25

2K35 0.007 0.09 0.97 0.82

2K36 0.440 0.07 0.60 0.052

2K37 0.007 0.10 0.99 0.049

2K38 0.007 0.09 0.99 0.037

2K39 0.007 0.08 0.99 0.048

2K40 0.006 0.12 1.20 0.059

2K41 0.007 0.10 0.75 0.058

2K42 0.007 0.17 1.10 0.022

2K43 0.007 0.08 1.05 0.032

2K44 0.007 0.09 1.26 0.048

2K45 0.007 1.62 0.97 0.024

2K46 0.007 2.12 0.90 0.074

2K47 0.007 2.08 0.75 0.069

2K48 0.007 1.09 1.05 0.034

2K49 0.007 0.84 1.07 0.060

2K50 0.007 0.08 1.25 0.062

P E R M I S S I B L E L I M I T S

0.005 1.3 5 <0.05

Ref: US, EPA, D / H 2 0 S T A N D A R D E . C . A . E E & UNESCO D / H 2 0 S T A N D A R D

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Table-2: Concentration of Trace Elements Detected in Soil Samples

Soil samples Pb(ppm) Zn(ppm) Cd(ppm) Cu(ppm)

2KSi 4.62 1.05 1.15 0.10

2KS² 0.92 0.78 0.28 0.08

2KS³ 2.30 0.94 0.74 0.13

2KS⁴ 2.66 1.37 0.97 0.14

2KS⁵ 0.96 1.35 0.26 0.28

2KS⁶ 3.89 2.36 0.78 0.30

2KS⁷ 3.77 2.26 1.34 0.22

2KS⁸ 0.62 0.84 0.80 0.18

2KS⁹ 1.74 0.47 0.17 0.05

2KSio 4.46 1.78 1.37 0.21

Table-3/i: Statistical Analysis of Identified Phases in SPM

Phase Maximum Minimum Mean SD C V

Range

Cd 0.440 0.006 0.223 0.217 97.31

Cu 2.12 0.05 1.085 1.035 95.39

Zn 2.82 0.60 1.71 1.11 64.91

Pb 0.82 0.022 0.421 0.399 94.77

Table-3/ ii: Statistical Analysis of Identified Phases in soil Samples

Phase Maximum Minimum Mean SD C V

Range

Cd 1.37 0.17 0.77 0.60 77.92

Cu 0.30 0.05 0.18 0.125 69.44

Zn 2.36 0.47 1.42 0.945 66.55

Pb 4.62 0.62 2.62 2 76.34

Table-4: Comparison B/W CV of Soil Samples and CV of SPM Samples

Phases Ratio =

C d

C u

Z n

Pb

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