Abstract
This study assessed the concentration of selected heavy metals (Lead and Zinc) from surrounding soil of Royal Salt mining company, Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State. Soil samples were collected from nine (9) different locations at depths of 0-15 and 15-30cm. Two (2) samples were collected from each of the nine locations, making it total of eighteen (18) samples. Soil analysis carried out were particle size distribution, pH, available Phosphorus, total Nitrogen, Organic Carbon, organic matter, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, exchangeable acidity, Aluminium, effective cation exchange capacity, base saturation and two selected heavy metals, Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). Results shows that heavy metals were highest in soil around the disposal site of mine waste. The highest value of Pb and Zn was recorded on tailing down (TD) 14.82 and 25.33mg/kg at 0-15cm depth, 7.22 and 18.93mg/kg at 15-30cm depth respectively. The accumulation of Pb and Zn at the mining site (TD) may be due to mining activities, civil, industrial/anthropogenic activities going on around the site. This study recommends regular monitoring of heavy metal concentration in soil within the mining site and their disposal site in order to conform to international standards set by the WHO.
 Keywords: Abakaliki, Enyigba, Lead, Royal Salt Limited, Zinc
Highlights
Mining industries throughout history has seriously caused immense environmental pollution in industrialized and developing countries and are seen as significant sources of heavy metal contamination of soil (Obiora and Chukwu, 2016)
It has been known that LeadZinc mining Leads to considerable heavy metal pollution in the soil of the surrounding area and investigation of heavy metal content in soils and evaluation of the potential risks and human health risks from heavy metals in the waste dumpsite of this mining area are of vital importance to better understanding
This aim of this research is to assess the concentration of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn) on the fertility indices of the soil from Lead-Zinc mining at Royal Salt Limited, Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State
Summary
Mining industries throughout history has seriously caused immense environmental pollution in industrialized and developing countries and are seen as significant sources of heavy metal contamination of soil (Obiora and Chukwu, 2016). Studies so far on the impacts of mining in Abakaliki Lead-Zinc mining area have focused mainly on water and plants metal load (Edeogu et al, 2007: Eze and Chukwu, 2011), their health and environmental impact. This study is relevant to understand the effects of such heavy metals on the fertility indices of the soil and in comparing the degree of contamination between tailing down (TD) and refuse dump site (RDS). This aim of this research is to assess the concentration of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn) on the fertility indices of the soil from Lead-Zinc mining at Royal Salt Limited, Enyigba in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State
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