International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

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Volume 5 Number 1 (Feb. 2014)

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IJESD 2014 Vol.5(1): 77-80 ISSN: 2010-0264
DOI: 10.7763/IJESD.2014.V5.454

Heavy Metal Concentration of Dumpsite Soil and Accumulation in Zea mays (corn) Growing in a Closed Dumpsite in Manila, Philippines

Leah Amor S. Cortez and Johnny A. Ching
Abstract—The study determined the heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in dumpsite soil and accumulation in Zea mays (corn) growing in the area. The area of study is a closed dumpsite in Manila, Philippines covered with rich vegetation and being used as agricultural land. Soils and plants were sampled and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentrations of the metals in the dumpsite soil and plant parts were found to be in higher concentrations compared to normal farmland which served as the control. Significant differences of heavy metals accumulations were observed per plant parts. Traces of metals were found in highest concentrations in the roots of all studied plants. Pb was found to be the only metal in plant parts exceeding the permissible limit given by WHO/FAO. The findings suggest that further study and proper legislation on the use of dumpsite soils must be taken into consideration.

Index Terms—Cadmium, corn, copper, lead, zinc.

Leah Amor S. Cortez and Johnny A. Ching are with Philippine Normal University (e-mail: amorleah@ymail.com).

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Cite:Leah Amor S. Cortez and Johnny A. Ching, "Heavy Metal Concentration of Dumpsite Soil and Accumulation in Zea mays (corn) Growing in a Closed Dumpsite in Manila, Philippines," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 77-80, 2014.