Abstract
This study investigated environmental pollution due to mining activities at the BCL mine in Selibe-Phikwe town, Botswana and assessed the level of heavy metals and sulphur in soil and Grewia bicolor leaves adjacent to the mine. Soil and G. bicolor were contaminated with heavy metals on the downwind side, where also concentrations of sulphur in the soil and G. bicolor were found to be elevated when compared to the upwind side. The leaves samples, were significantly difference at P = 0.00 and soil were significantly different at P = 0.03 for both west and east side. A mean soil pH of 4.12 in the prevailing wind direction suggested that atmospheric deposition from the mine has caused acidification. With further distance from the mine concentration in soil and leaves appeared to reflect a decreasing deposition of heavy metals and sulphur. Elevated concentration of heavy metals in leaves represent a high risk of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications in the food chain because G. bicolor leaves are grazed on by farmed animals and are common ingredients of traditional medicines. Key words: BCL, heavy metals, Grewia bicolor, sulphur, pH, environmental pollution
Highlights
Pollution due to mining activities is a great concern throughout the world since it has been recognized as a major contributor to environmental pollution over the past years (Zhou et al, 2007)
Given the environmental impact caused by sulphur dioxide in the adjacent area of the Bamangwato Concessions Limited mine (BCL) mine, the objective of the present study is to asses sulphur and heavy metals content in soil and Grewia bicolor leaves along a 4 km west and east transect in BCL mine
This research study shows that significant amount of heavy metal and sulphur has been deposited in the western side of the mine on both soil and G. bicolor leaves
Summary
Pollution due to mining activities is a great concern throughout the world since it has been recognized as a major contributor to environmental pollution over the past years (Zhou et al, 2007). Mining and smelting affect the air, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through discharge of solid and liquid waste, as well as particulate matter (Nagajyoti et al, 2010). Developing countries which are rich in minerals like Botswana are at a greater risk from mining pollution. Mining of minerals is associated with benefits such as economic development (Rashed, 2010), increased employment and foreign exchange reserves.
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