Evaluation of lead concentration levels of children's paly ground in Kaduna State Schools

Leaded paint and lead from exhaust of vehicle have been observed to be the major contributors of lead contamination, resulting to soil contamination. African infants by way of culture have direct contact with contaminated soil. The study investigated, lead contamination of soil in children’s playgrounds of some selected schools in Kaduna State with emphasis on the premises of nursery/primary schools in the State An Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) was the technique used in the investigation. The results obtained from exterior showed some variations from the background lead levels. Schools such as LK-II, HCPS, SPS, showed high variation from background study. HCPS recorded interior mean lead concentration of 137.5±24.6 (127.0-174.0)ppm and exterior mean lead concentration of 145.8±25.0(26.0-348.7)ppm while the established background lead concentration level is within the range of 23.5-38.9ppm. Keywords: Lead concentration, Contamination, background, EDXRF, Children playground, leaded paint, flakes, debris, building foundation, Kaduna State

Assessment of elemental composition and distribution of some fertilizers used in Nigeria

Using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique, the study qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the elemental distribution of commonly used fertilizers in Nigeria. A total of 15 chemical elements, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, U and Th, per sample were detected. The K peaked in all the samples with Th was the least in concentration. Due to the toxic and carcinogenic nature of arsenic and lead, their concentration levels were compared with the internationally acceptable concentration limits. The measured range and mean concentration levels of As and Pb in the samples analyzed were found to be [102-193] 173±20ppm and [215-275] 255±17 ppm, respectively. The results are respectively 3 and 2.5 orders of magnitude, higher than the World Fertilizer Metal Standards recommended limitst. The MOP fertilizer has the highest mean concentration levels for both As and Pb, followed by SSP fertilizer, which recorded As and Pb concentration level s of 161±50 ppm and 231±68 ppm, respectively. In addition, the Pb/As ratios are in the range 1.33-1.50, which is an indication of good correlation between the assessed toxic elements.Keywords: chemical elements, fertilizers, concentration levels, PBTs, chemical toxicit