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Assessment of heavy metals concentration in soils in the central parts of Tanzania using pollution indices and multivariate statistical approach: implication on the source and health

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Abstract

The presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils has been known to have harmful effects on humans, plants, and the overall ecological system. Consequently, ongoing research is needed to investigate the concentration, sources, and spatial distribution of PTEs. In central Tanzania, where there are significant mineral deposits, anthropogenic activities, such as mining and commercial agriculture have contributed to soil pollution. This study aimed to assess the concentrations, sources, and spatial distribution of PTEs in the Singida region, which is part of central Tanzania. The order of the studied PTEs concentrations is Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Cd, and generally falls within acceptable limits according to the Tanzania Ministry of State (TMS) standards except for As and Cr, which pollute 50% and 5.3% of the stations exceeding 1 mg kg−1 and 100 mg kg−1, respectively. The pollution indices indicate that all PTEs reach moderate to highly polluted levels in the region. The mafic–ultramafic rocks of this region significantly contribute to the PTEs contents in soils. The robust compositional contamination index (RCCI) indicates moderate (22.7%), high (57.3%), and very high (13.3%) levels caused by anthropogenic activities and the geology of the region. Mining and fertilizer run-offs from agricultural lands may affect Cd concentrations in the soil. The PTEs reach hotspots with high concentrations in the southern, eastern, northern, and southeastern parts of the study area. The region is at risk of cancer, mortality, reproduction challenges, and other noncarcinogenic issues in the future. In this paper, the terms heavy metals, PTEs, and trace elements are used interchangeably implying similar elements or metals.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) for providing all data used in this work.

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  1. Department of Physics, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania

    Benatus Norbert Mvile

  2. Department of Geological Engineering, School of Engineering, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala, P.O. Box 1882, Tamale, Ghana

    Mahamuda Abu

  3. Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), P.O. Box 903, Dodoma, Tanzania

    John Desderius Kalimenze

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All authors contributed to the writing of the manuscript. BNM and JDK were responsible for conducting the fieldwork and laboratory work, designing the study, and reviewing the draft manuscript. MA conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and finalized it for submission.

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Mvile, B.N., Abu, M. & Kalimenze, J.D. Assessment of heavy metals concentration in soils in the central parts of Tanzania using pollution indices and multivariate statistical approach: implication on the source and health. J. Sediment. Environ. 8, 457–469 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43217-023-00144-8

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