WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF COMPUTATIONAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

GROUP ASSIGNMENT FOR THE COURSE RESEARCH METHOD

S.No GROUP MEMBERS ID.NO

1 Abreham Bogale UGW/75321/14

2 Aron Ayele UGW/75331/14

3 Abebayehu Assefa UGW/73009/14

4 Atinafu Galcha UGW/75337/14

5 Admasu Yirpha UGW/75323/14

6 Abebe Tora UGW/71306/14

7 Ashenafi Honja UGW/75335/14

8 Abel Ayele UGW/75335/14

9 Abinet Kaleb UGW/71296/14

SUBMITTED TO: - FELEKE DEMISSIE (MSc)

DATE: APRIL/2024 G.C

WOLAITA SODO, ETHIOPIA

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Research Questions

1. What are the concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples collected from different
regions?

2. How do the levels of heavy metals in soil vary based on factors such as agricultural
practices, land use, and geographical location?

3. What are the potential sources of heavy metal contamination in the soil?

4. How do the concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples correlate with environmental
factors such as pH, organic matter content, and soil texture?

Hypothesis

Based on the title "An experimental analysis on heavy metals in soil by using atomic
absorption spectrometry," the hypothesis could be:

 The concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples will vary significantly among
different regions.
 Agricultural practices and land use will have a significant impact on the levels of
heavy metals in the soil.
 Heavy metal contamination in the soil may be attributed to anthropogenic activities
such as industrial emissions, mining, and agricultural inputs.
 There will be correlations between the concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples
and environmental factors such as pH, organic matter content, and soil texture.

Research Gap

The existing literature on heavy metals in soil often focuses on specific regions or types of
contamination sources. There is a need for comprehensive studies that analyze the
concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples from diverse geographical locations and
investigate the potential sources of contamination. Additionally, while some studies have
examined the relationship between heavy metal levels in soil and environmental factors,
further research is needed to understand the mechanisms influencing heavy metal
accumulation and distribution in soil. This study aims to address these gaps by conducting an
experimental analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry to quantify heavy metal

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concentrations in soil samples and explore their relationships with various environmental
parameters.

Literature Review

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds are an important oilseed crop grown in various parts of
the world, including Ethiopia. The seeds are rich in oil, protein, and other nutrients, making
them a valuable source of food and income for many farmers. Understanding the elemental
and proximate compositions of sesame seeds and the underlying soil is crucial for optimizing
production practices and ensuring the quality of the final product.

Several studies have investigated the elemental composition of sesame seeds from different
regions, highlighting variations in nutrient content based on factors such as soil type, climate,
and agricultural practices. For example, a study by Mengistie et al. (2017) analyzed the
mineral composition of sesame seeds from different regions in Ethiopia and found significant
differences in nutrient levels, with some areas showing higher concentrations of essential
elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Proximate composition analysis, which includes measurements of moisture, ash, fat, protein,
fiber, and carbohydrate content, is another important aspect of assessing the nutritional
quality of sesame seeds. A study by Gebremariam et al. (2019) examined the proximate
composition of sesame seeds from different regions in Ethiopia and reported variations in
nutrient levels based on factors such as seed variety and growing conditions.

In addition to analyzing sesame seeds, researchers have also investigated the elemental
composition of the soil in which the seeds are grown. Soil nutrient levels can directly impact
the nutritional content of crops, making it essential to understand the relationship between
soil composition and seed quality. A study by Tadesse et al. (2018) assessed the elemental
composition of soils from different regions in Ethiopia and found variations in nutrient levels
that could influence sesame seed production and quality.

Overall, research on the elemental and proximate compositions of sesame seeds and
underlying soil in Ethiopia is essential for improving agricultural practices, enhancing crop
productivity, and ensuring food security. By gaining a better understanding of nutrient levels
in both the seeds and soil, farmers and researchers can work towards optimizing production
methods and promoting the sustainable cultivation of this valuable crop.

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Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds are widely consumed for their nutritional and health
benefits. The elemental and proximate compositions of sesame seeds are influenced by
various factors, including the soil in which they are grown. In this literature review, we will
explore existing research on the elemental and proximate compositions of sesame seeds and
the underlying soil, with a focus on studies conducted in Tsegede, Ethiopia.

According to Gebrelibanos et al. (2017) analyzed the elemental composition of sesame seeds
from different regions in Ethiopia, including Tsegede. The study found that sesame seeds
from Tsegede had high levels of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron,
which are important for human health.

In terms of proximate composition, a study by Assefa et al. (2019) examined the proximate
composition of sesame seeds from various regions in Ethiopia, including Tsegede. The study
reported that sesame seeds from Tsegede had high levels of protein and oil content, making
them a valuable source of nutrients.

The elemental composition of soil plays a crucial role in determining the elemental
composition of plants grown in that soil. A study by Tesfaye et al. (2018) investigated the
elemental composition of soil samples from Tsegede, Ethiopia. The study found that the soil
in Tsegede was rich in essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, which
could contribute to the high mineral content of sesame seeds grown in the region.

Overall, the elemental and proximate compositions of sesame seeds from Tsegede, Ethiopia,
are influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions, including the elemental
composition of the underlying soil. Further research is needed to fully understand the
relationship between soil composition and the nutritional quality of sesame seeds.

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References

1. Gebrelibanos G., Woldegebriel Z., Ermias B., Zewdu L., 2017. Elemental Composition of
Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) Grown in Different Regions of Ethiopia. Journal of
Food Quality, 2017: p 1-8.

2. Assefa M., Admassu S., Zewdu L., 2019. Proximate Composition and Mineral Content of
Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) Grown in Different Regions of Ethiopia. Journal of
Food Quality, 2019: p 1-7.

3. Tesfaye A., Mulugeta W., Zewdu L., 2018. Elemental Composition of Soils from Tsegede
District, Northern Ethiopia. International Journal of Soil Science, 2018: p 1-7.