Research Article
Characterization and Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Niakhene Soils Using X-ray Fluorescence
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
28-34
Received:
23 May 2025
Accepted:
7 June 2025
Published:
10 July 2025
Abstract: Heavy metal contamination in soils poses serious threats to environmental and human health due to metal persistence and toxicity. In Senegal, particularly in the Niakhene region, soil pollution may result from agricultural practices, atmospheric deposition, and past land use. This study aims to determine the concentrations of heavy metals: Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Zinc (Zn), Cesium (Cs), Palladium (Pd), and Tin (Sn) in agricultural soils and to assess their potential environmental and health risks. A total of 47 soil samples were collected at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) and analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy, a non-destructive and accurate technique. The analysis revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals, with Zn ranging from 0.00 to 29.49 mg/kg, Ni from 20.02 to 47.30 mg/kg, and Arsenic (As) from 0.00 to 5.67 mg/kg. The study found that Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg were not detectable in the samples. Comparative analysis with EU threshold limit values (TLVs) indicated that concentrations of most metals were within safe limits, although some samples approached the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for Nickel and Arsenic. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and potential remediation to manage soil contamination and protect environmental and human health. These findings highlight the importance of continuous soil monitoring in the region and support the implementation of appropriate soil management and pollution mitigation strategies to safeguard both environmental quality and public health.
Abstract: Heavy metal contamination in soils poses serious threats to environmental and human health due to metal persistence and toxicity. In Senegal, particularly in the Niakhene region, soil pollution may result from agricultural practices, atmospheric deposition, and past land use. This study aims to determine the concentrations of heavy metals: Nickel (...
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