- 期刊
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Trace Elements Composition of Achatina achatina Samples from the Madina Market in Accra, Ghana
並列摘要
This research was carried out to assess the composition and sources of trace elements in seventeen Achatina achatina samples obtained from the Madina Market. The trace elements were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (VARIAN AA 240 FS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The highest mean Concentration, 2240.5mg/kg was measured for chlorine while the least mean concentration, 0.13mg/kg was measured for Magnessium. The mean elemental Concentrations were in the order Cl＞Ca＞Na＞Al＞Fe＞Cu＞Zn＞Ni＞Mn＞K＞V＞Mg. Pearson Correlation matrix, Principal Component(PC) Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (CA) shows varying sources of the trace elements, however there is great interrelationships regarding their sources. The correlation matrix at 99% confidence level loaded the components Al-Fe-Mn, Ca-Cl-Mg, Cl-Mg-Na, Fe-V, and Ni-V. PC1 which loaded Ca, Cl, Mg, Na, Ni, and V agrees very well with CA1. A similar trend is shown in CA2 and PC2 with Al, Fe and Mn loadings. The geology of the original habitat of the samples which is characterized by Shales, Quartzite and Feldsphalthic sandstone together with anthropogenic inputs from fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides have been identified as the possible sources of the elements. All the elements analysed in the samples were essential elements.