Concentrations of metals (As, Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in soil samples from Kombo-Laka were investigated. The area under study is subjected to traditional gold mining and receives various wastes from miners and...Concentrations of metals (As, Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in soil samples from Kombo-Laka were investigated. The area under study is subjected to traditional gold mining and receives various wastes from miners and mining activities. Direct observations on the field displayed the destruction of soils by this activity. An assessment of pollution was performed using an Enrichment Factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I<sub>geo</sub>). Levels of As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Sb in soil samples were above average in the Upper Continental Crust (UCC). EF revealed anthropogenic sources for Cd, As and Sb in these soils. I<sub>geo</sub> indicates that Kombo-Laka soils are moderately to extremely polluted with As and Sb. There are high to very high positive correlations among the metals suggesting their possible common sources. This study reveals that traditional gold mining activities in the area are harmful to the environment.展开更多
文摘Concentrations of metals (As, Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in soil samples from Kombo-Laka were investigated. The area under study is subjected to traditional gold mining and receives various wastes from miners and mining activities. Direct observations on the field displayed the destruction of soils by this activity. An assessment of pollution was performed using an Enrichment Factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I<sub>geo</sub>). Levels of As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Sb in soil samples were above average in the Upper Continental Crust (UCC). EF revealed anthropogenic sources for Cd, As and Sb in these soils. I<sub>geo</sub> indicates that Kombo-Laka soils are moderately to extremely polluted with As and Sb. There are high to very high positive correlations among the metals suggesting their possible common sources. This study reveals that traditional gold mining activities in the area are harmful to the environment.
