Sequential Analysis of Metals in Municipal Dumpsite Composts of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The heavy metals contents (Pb, Cu, Fe, Cr, Cd, Zn, Mn and Ni) in Municipal dumpsite compost were determined by the sequential extraction method. Chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, and organic carbon contents of the samples were also determined. Analysis of the extracts was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometer machine (Buck Scientific VPG 210). Results of these analyses showed that Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe were largely associated with residual fraction (53.06%, 56.26%, 58.15%, 59.14% and 64.10% respectively). Cu, Cd and Zn were largely associated with non-residual fractions (71.42%, 54.44%, and 54.15% respectively). Calculated mobility and bioavailability factors of Cd, Zn and Cu were also high (54.54%, 54.16%, 53.06% and 0.54, 0.54, 0.53 respectively), moderate for Pb, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe (46.94%, 41.86%, 43.74%, 40.85%, 35.90% and 0.46, 0.41, 0.43, 0.40, 0.35 respectively). Mean percentage recoveries were ranged from 79.75%-100%.

Keywords: Municipal dumpsite, compost, sequential extraction, mobility factor, bioavailability factor.