Distribution of Metals in Soils in Public Parks in South Calgary
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Issue Date
2025
Editor
Authors
Igbinoba, Enofe, Lugard
License
Subject
School of environment and sustainability
Abstract
AbstractThe concentrations of metals in 60 soil samples from 19 playgrounds across the southwest and southeast quadrants of Calgary were determined by x-ray fluorescence. The mean metal concentrations were below the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment soil quality guidelines for residential/parkland use. However, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc concentrations in a few samples exceeded the guideline. Metal concentrations in samples collected from the southwest quadrant were higher than those in the southeast quadrant reflecting the anthropogenic sources of contamination in the southwest quadrant from increased industrial and transportation activities. High coefficient of variation for most metals, indicate wide spatial variations that may lead to local exceedances. The human health risk associated with incidental ingestion of soil for adults and children was low except for zinc in one park, thus requiring additional sampling and analysis to detect any emerging trends and to safeguard environmental and public health.
Description
2025