Introduction of Unleaded Petrol in Mauritius: Impact on Soil Lead Level at Vandermeersch Street

Abstract

Soil samples near a major road (Vandermeersch Street) in Mauritius were collected before and after the introduction of unleaded petrol. Analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) indicates that the introduction of unleaded petrol has had a dramatic impact on the Pb levels in the soil samples. Indeed, a general decrease of about 45% was noted in the Pb levels of the soil samples.

Keywords: lead pollution, soil, unleaded petrol, vehicular emission