Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil by Quarry Dust at Asonomaso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

Environmental pollution caused by quarry dust and heavy metals is a problem for many years in Asonomaso. The main aim of this paper was to determine the amount and types of heavy metal pollutants associated with the quarrying and also identify the probable adverse effects they have on human health and the environment. About 30 quarry dust samples were collected from two sampling sites between August and November, 2011 for analysis using AAS. Evaluation using SPSS 17.0 statistical programme revealed appreciable amounts of As, Hg, Mn, Cu Zn and Pb and Fe which differ from one site to another. AAS analysis revealed relatively higher concentrations of As, Ag, Cu and Zn in both primary and secondary quarry dust than dust away from the site. However, concentrations of Mn, Fe and Pb were higher in secondary quarry dust and dust away from the primary site. Heavy metal pollution of the Asonomaso environ attributable to the quarry is thus significant and its repercussions on the health of the residents must be seriously looked at.

Keywords: Quarry Dust, Heavy-metal, Impact, Asonomaso.