Ecological and public health estimations of potentially toxic elements in soils from an abandoned dumpsite in a tropical climatic zone

The presence of toxic elements in soils at abandoned dumpsites poses significant ecological and health risks, especially in regions where climatic conditions influence contaminant dispersion and persistence. This study examined the concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Si, Ti and Zn in soil samples from the Aboabo abandoned dumpsite using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results indicated that apart from Sr, whose mean concentration exceeded the WHO/FAO and Canadian guideline levels, the other elements were found within the established ranges. Ecological indices-including the contamination factor, enrichment factor, and geoaccumulation index-classified As, Cd, Cr, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn as exhibiting low contamination, little enrichment, and being largely uncontaminated. However, Sr showed moderate to substantial contamination based on these indices. Despite this, the potential ecological risk index and the pollution load index suggested an overall low ecological risk. Health risk assessments indicated that both adults and children are unlikely to experience non-carcinogenic effects. However, children may be at potential risk of carcinogenic effects from the selected elements at the abandoned dumpsite. These findings provide baseline data on soil contamination at the site and underscore the need for continued management of abandoned dumpsites.