Heavy metals had taken a great attention in scientific studies throughout the past years. In this generation, the amount of toxic materials found in land and water as well as in air has increased drastically. Constant development on modern technology depends on usage of heavy metals. Incorporated with this, heavy metals have major disadvantages of being toxic and having a long half-life. ( Godt, Scheidig, and Grosse-Siestrup et al, 2006; Gunduz and Akman, 2012; WHO, 1995; WHO, 2004) Cadmium, chromium and lead, among other heavy metals are known to be dangerous pollutants in our environment. Inhalation, ingestion and exposure of these heavy metals can lead to various health problems to humans, particularly in children (Clark, Brabander, Erdil …show more content…
The reagents used in the digestion process were J.T Baker 70% Concentrated Nitric Acid (AR Grade), Scharlau Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid (Technical Grade), Scharlau 30% Hydrogen Peroxide (AR Grade). Three trials were done on each heavy metal on both soil and groundwater samples. The instrumental analysis was conducted on December 16, 2013 at CRL Environmental Corporation, Clarkfield, Pampanga. Samples were analyzed using Shimadzu AA-7000 and Perkin Elmer AAnalyst-200 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained were compared to the acceptable limits of exposure established and being monitored by WHO, EPA, DENR and DOH. Definition of Terms Atomic absorption spectrophotometer – a spectro-analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of chemical elements using the absorption of optical radiation (light) by free atoms in the gaseous state Absorption – the way in which the energy of a photon is taken up by matter, typically the electrons of an atom. Acid Digestion – digestion of soluble metals in an acidic medium Effluent – waste material discharge into the environment that causes