Analysis of cadmium and lead using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in roadside soils of Jimma town

Cadmium and lead are pollutants of great concern to human health. The analysis of Cadmium and lead content in our environment is crucial for policy makers to make decisions concerning the environment and to secure the wellbeing of the inhabitants. In this study lead and cadmium in roadside soil was analyzed. The soil sample was collected at the distance of 18m, 20m, 25m, 26m and from the roadside. The collected sample was digested on hot plate. The concentration of lead and cadmium was measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Lead concentrations in soil samples varied from 36.47 to 43.42mgkg−1. Lead analyses showed that there was a considerable contamination in soil affected from traffic intensity. Cadmium and lead were determined using AAS in the surface layer (0.0-5.0cm) of soils, situated in areas under different impact of traffic contamination. The Concentration cadmium in soil samples lies between 0.505mg/kg to 1.745mg/kg. The obtained results of Cadmium and lead concentration in the soil around Jimma, Ethiopia; 1.745mg/kg and 43.42mg/ kg respectively, were compared with WHO and EPA. The maximum contaminate level according to WHO, for lead and cadmium in soil is 100 and 3.00mg/Kg respectively and appropriate recommendation and conclusion was forwarded. From this site the concentration of lead is higher than cadmium. The average lead and cadmium concentration in soil samples from the four sites of Jimma were all found to be below the maximum tolerable limit according to WHO standards.