Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Distribution in Cemetery Soils

Resource type
Author/contributor
Title
Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Distribution in Cemetery Soils
Abstract
In this paper, preliminary investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential ecological risk of heavy metals contamination in cemetery soils. Necrosol samples were collected from within and around the vicinity of the largest mass grave in Rwanda and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using total digestion–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Based on the concentrations of As, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn, the overall contamination degree (Cdeg) and potential ecological risks status (RI) of the necrosols were determined. The preliminary results revealed that the associated cemetery soils are only contaminated to a low degree. On the other hand, assessment of the potential ecological risk index (RI) revealed that cumulative heavy metal content of the soil do not pose any significant ecological risks. These findings, therefore, suggest that, while cemetery soils may be toxic due to the accumulation of certain heavy metals, their overall ecological risks may be minimal and insignificant.
Publication
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Volume
224
Issue
2
Pages
1435
Date
2013-01-23
Journal Abbr
Water Air Soil Pollut
Language
en
ISSN
1573-2932
Accessed
4/11/23, 12:11 PM
Library Catalog
Springer Link
Notes

Cited By (since 2013): 48

Citation
Amuno, S. A. (2013). Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Distribution in Cemetery Soils. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 224(2), 1435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1435-2