Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is one of the most important problems in mining industry, causing serious effects to humans and animals. The present study evaluates the spatial distribution of heavy metals in Kombo Laka mine area in Mbere subdivision, and evaluates the characteristics of the pollution generated by mining activities in this locality. A total of 24 soil samples were collected from Adamsi, Benou, Abattoir and Wantia mining sites along with two control soil samples. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and carbonate content were measured according to standard methods, while heavy metals concentration in different samples was determined fluorescence x(XRF). Coarse sand (2.0-1.0 mm) and fine sand (0.250-0.125 mm) were the dominant fractions of all soils samples, ranging from 28.3 to 24.2 and 25.4 to 23.2% in Abatoir and Adamsi soils respectively. At the same time, silty clay (<0.031 mm) was the dominant fraction ranging from 20.3 to 24.9%. The pollution load index (PLI) was calculated to evaluate the degree of contamination. The results of PLI for the selected elements confirm anthropogenic action in the area since all values are > 1. Contamination factors (CF) and pollution index (IP) were calculated for Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn), in order to estimate the anthropogenic contribution of these elements in the pollution of this locality. The results show that the area is polluted and measures need to be taken for remediation.
Highlights
Metallic trace elements (MTE) are natural elements characterized by high density, greater than 5g/cm3
It should be noted that coarse sand (2.01.0 mm) and fine sand (0.250-0.125 mm) were the dominant fractions of all soils samples, ranging from 28.3 to 24.2 and 25.4 to 23.2% in Abatoir and Adamsi soils respectively
Mean organic mattercontents in studied soils were in the range of 4.7% to 5.3% dry weight in Abatoir and Wantia; 6.1% and 7.1% dry weight in Adamsi and Benou soil samples; showing that anthropogenic contribution from domestic sewage discharge at Kombo Laka region was an important source of organic matter to this mining area
Summary
Metallic trace elements (MTE) are natural elements characterized by high density, greater than 5g/cm. Heavy metals are naturally occurring constituents in rocks and mineral deposits. These elements are normally present at low levels (trace levels, less than 0.1%) in soils, sediments, surface waters and living organisms. Analysis of Bétaré-Oya gold mining sites revealed a contamination by heavy metals at all primary gold mining sites, presenting a risk of release and migration of heavy metals if there is any slight change in environmental conditions This Issue aims to study heavy metal accumulation in soil and pollution evaluation of the gold exploitation site of Kombo Laka, Adamaoua Region in Cameroon
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