Abstract
This paper, firstly, characterizes the mining waste of the Betare-Oya gold area (East Cameroon). Surface waters are sampled and characterized physically (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and suspended solids) and chemically by the determination of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cr, As, and Pb). The concentrations of heavy metals in sediment samples are determined by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) analysis. The statistical analysis tool is used to determine the existing correlation between the different physicochemical parameters. Secondly, an adsorption test for heavy metals determined is carried out on smectic clay of Sabga (North-West Cameroon) at ambient temperature. The results of physicochemical characterization of water samples reveal that waters of this gold mining zone are slightly acidic to neutral (6.3 pH < 7.1), mineralized (18.54 EC < 43 μs.cm−1), turbid (60 SS < 237.67 NTU), and polluted by suspended solids (50.5 < SS < 666.6 mg L−1).The determination of heavy metals in water samples shows that manganese, iron, arsenic, and lead concentrations are above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. This indicates pollution. High concentrations of heavy metals as Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, and Cr are observed in sediment samples. The correlation analysis indicates high correlations between turbidity and suspended solids; cadmium and lead in water samples; and copper and iron in sediment samples. The adsorption test reveals that the maximum percentage removal is 60, 89, 55, −89.74, and 100% for Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Pb, respectively, after adding 0.5 g of Sabga smectic clay. This clay has a good potential adsorption of lead, zinc, manganese, and copper. However, the operating conditions favored desorption of iron.
Highlights
Water is at the center of all socioeconomic processes, regardless of the level of development of society
Increasing mining activities are putting increasing pressure on the planet’s fresh water supplies. These activities generate a wide variety of chemicals which flow into the water cycle, endangering the fragile natural balance which has allowed life to develop on Earth
Extraction of solid minerals has been identified as a major entry point for heavy metals into the environment, thereby polluting various environmental components such as soil, water, and air [2]
Summary
Physicochemical Characterization of Mining Waste from the Betare-Oya Gold Area (East Cameroon) and an Adsorption Test by Sabga Smectite (North-West Cameroon). An adsorption test for heavy metals determined is carried out on smectic clay of Sabga (North-West Cameroon) at ambient temperature. E results of physicochemical characterization of water samples reveal that waters of this gold mining zone are slightly acidic to neutral (6.3 pH < 7.1), mineralized (18.54 EC < 43 μs.cm−1), turbid (60 SS < 237.67 NTU), and polluted by suspended solids (50.5 < SS < 666.6 mg L−1). E determination of heavy metals in water samples shows that manganese, iron, arsenic, and lead concentrations are above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. E correlation analysis indicates high correlations between turbidity and suspended solids; cadmium and lead in water samples; and copper and iron in sediment samples.
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