Abstract:
The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and
Fe in mosses around Webuye Pan Paper factory were found
to be significantly higher than in controls taken from
Kakamega, indicating atmospheric contribution from the
anthropogenic activities within the factory, shown within a
radius of 1 km around the factory. The mean concentrations
(lg/g dry weight) in the mosses ranged from
60.9–124.5, 22.6–34.2, 13.3–14.7, 20.1–33.3 and 1,822.4–
2,079.2, respectively. The mean concentrations of Pb in
mosses sampled from the eastern and western side of the
factory were also significantly higher than in controls. The
mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Fe in
topsoil samples ranged from 7 (Pb)–2,310 (Fe) mg/kg dry
wt, depending on sample means based on site direction,
distance from the factory and season. There was no clear
variation in metal concentrations in mosses and topsoils
with direction from the factory which was consistent with
the observed fluctuations in wind direction which changed
from south-west in the mornings to north and south-west in
the afternoons during sampling.
