Heavy Metal Pollution Assessment along Msimbazi River, Tanzania

Aims: The study aimed to determine the status of accumulations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb and Cd) in water and soil. The study also established the main entry of heavy metals in the river since heavy metals are referred to a diverse range of highly toxic or poisonous micro-pollutants present at very low concentrations in the environment arising from industrial and mining activities are discharged into sources of water at many sites.

Study Design: The study designed to analyze heavy metal magnitude in water and soil samples on the Msimbazi River from Vingunguti to Jagwani flood area.

Place and Duration of the Study: Msimbazi River is located in the Dar Es Salaam city, Tanzania. It originates from the highland of Kisarawe in cost region. Msimbazi River receives effluent discharges from several industries of different manufacturing processes like dyes and paints, steel, batteries, food processing, vingunguti abattoir, and electrical product. The study was done between March and June 2012.

Methodology: All analysis works were done at the Environmental Laboratory of Ardhi University using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer technique (AAS).

Results: The results showed that water and soil around Msimbazi River have lead, chromium and copper concentrations were higher than the permissible limit as EPA and TBS. There are variations of heavy metals along Msimbazi River due to the discharge of the toxic waste such as oil, industrial wastewater which cause high pollution along and within the river.

Conclusion: In order to prevent this water source and health of the people, Msimbazi River should not be used for vegetable irrigation as water observed to have heavy metal exceeded permissible limits as per WHO and TBS. Those industries, garages and other economic activities around Msimbazi River have to be rebuilding far away from the river and wastewater should be treated before discharging to the river.