Assessment of Contamination Levels of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Sediments of an Urban and Fish Landing site in Uganda

Sediment of an urban industrial and fish landing site on Lake Victoria in Port Bell, Uganda was investigated to establish the heavy metal (HM) pollution levels and potential human health risks. Sediment grab samples were collected from Port Bell, digested, and analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Geochemical indices, contamination factor (CF), geochemical accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk (PERI) were estimated for the detected hazardous metals. As per the US EPA sediment quality guidelines, the average dose through dermal contact and hazard quotient (HQ) was determined to assess the health associated risks related to dredging at the landing site.
The results showed that Cu (6.111 -7.111 mg/kg) and Pb (40.222 - 44.212 mg/kg) occurred at the highest concentrations. Pollution load indices showed that the contamination levels are not above the threshold as per the US EPA sediment quality guidelines. However, PERI showed considerable pollution of Port Bell sediment, particularly with Cd since it had reached severe enrichment in the sediments (CF-11.510).
The enrichment and contamination factors, PLI, and Igeo values showed that the sediment in the study area were polluted with Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr. This is due to anthropogenic activities within these areas that generated a lot of wastes, ranging from plastics, agrochemicals, preservatives, personal care products, scrap metals, used solders and electrodes that contaminate the landing site with the HMs. A comprehensive study of the pollution indices shows that steps should be taken to minimize the impact of these elements.