Heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in agricultural communities around steel and iron industries in Uganda: implications for future food systems

Abstract

Poor management of effluents from steel and iron industries could increase element concentrations in the environment and threaten the health of consumers of food products from these areas. The current study assessed element concentration and physicochemical properties of soils, water, and vegetation from within 200 m around three steel and iron industries. A workable grid-based sampling design guided soil and plant sampling; upstream-downstream water quality comparisons were adapted with upstream as a control sample. Analyses were conducted following procedures by USEPA method 3051A. Element concentration was in the order Mn>As>Zn>Cr>Pb. The concentrations reduced with increase in distance from the industry. There was moderate-to-strong pollution of soils for As, and transfer factor for all elements was >1. In conclusion, industrial activity might have contributed to increased element concentrations in the soils, vegetation, and water sources around the industries. Agrarian activities may only be safely carried out 151m away from the industries.