Distribution of Metals in Soils in Public Parks in South Calgary

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.

Author dc:creator

• Igbinoba, Enofe, Lugard

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dodd, Matt

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-20345

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28777