M.J Mangala

Determination of suspended particulates matter of major significance to human health using nuclear techniques in kenya

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of aerosol samples in Nairobi is presented. Results show that elemental concentrations are of the order of 10−4 to 10−6 μg/m3 for most elements analyzed. The total suspended particulate (TSP) matter was between 30–80 μg/m3 for the entire sampling period between December 1993 to October 1994. Levels of lead (Pb) are below WHO guidelines. However, the obtained bromine (Br) to Pb ratio: 0.3–0.51, shows the origin of Pb to be from vehicular emissions. This ratio was particularly high during the months of April to July 1994 which were also found to be very active in terms of weather parameters.

EDXRF analysis of lead and other toxic trace elements in soil samples along two major highways of Kenya

Adjacent lands along most major highways of Kenya are left as open spaces, or used for small scale farming and grazing of cattle and livestock. Some grass and plants are expected to have high levels of lead and other toxic metals. So far, no study has been carried out to determine the concentrations of toxic metals in soil samples along Thika and Mombasa highways of Kenya. This work is important and essential to the study of the impact of pollution on health and the environment.