Assessing the Occurrence of Heavy Metals in Edible Fruits Grown around Mine Tailings Dam in Kitwe

Abstract

Mining activities in the Copperbelt province of Zambia have been of great environmental concern, despite recorded improvements in the socio-economic sector. Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from depositing mine tailings and rock waste has posed possible health risks for communities nearer such facilities. The current study was conducted around residential homes surrounding Kitwe slimes (TD25). This work investigated levels of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in the soils, and avocado and lemons fruits, growing near TD25. Heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The work further assessed the estimated daily intake (EDI) associated with potential health risks to humans. In the soil, concentration levels of heavy metals showed a trend in the order: Fe > Cu > Mn > Co > Pb. Heavy metal contents in avocado and lemon fruits at 200 and 400 m away from TD25, all had p-values -1 (avocado) and 0.14 mg·kg-1 (lemon), though both results were far below the FAO/WHO standard range (12.5 - 19.6 mg·kg-1). For both fruits, Co and Pb results were negligible. The concentration of the five heavy metals in avocado and lemon fruits grown around Kitwe slimes did not pose any health risks to the consumers.