Arsenic Levels in the Environment and Foods Around Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the level of arsenic in the environment and in foods consumed around Kisumu, and compare these levels with the recommended WHO maximum limits. Arsenic was determined in water samples from Lake Victoria, River Nyamasaria, tap water as well as in the soil samples. It was also determined in staple foods including maize, beans, fish and vegetables. Arsenic content in the samples was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results showed that arsenic content in the water and soil ranged from 0.00 to 8.30 ng/100 ml and 12.39 to 24.36 μg/100 g, respectively, and the mean arsenic levels in all water and soil samples were within the safe WHO limits for arsenic. The arsenic content in the maize and bean samples ranged from 5.21 to 7.03 μg/100 g. The arsenic content in the vegetables and fish ranged from 2.89 to 7.34 and 4.31 to 7.66 μg/100 g, respectively. The arsenic content in all the food samples were also within the safe WHO arsenic limits. However, there were variations in arsenic contents between the species of fish studied. The arsenic content was significantly higher in soil samples in comparison to water samples (p<0.05). Overall the arsenic levels in all the food, water and soil samples were within the maximum WHO safe limits. It is recommended that continuous monitoring of arsenic levels of water, soil and foods be put in place since there could be seasonal variations in their levels.