The absolute necessity of
water in the life of man remains undeniable to the point that some people think
the water is the life. Metals are ubiquitous in surface waters. But their
concentrations are generally very low which explains their name “trace metals”
or “trace metals”. However, when the mining begins operating a metal-rich
deposit, a change operates especially in waters in contact with these mining
works. This study aims to determine the pH of the river water Lubumbashi, and
then measure the accumulation of trace elements in the food chain in order to
evaluate the risks to human health. The pH of the recorded values are within
normal limits (6.5-9.5); Site 1 has an average pH of 7.962 (±0.185); the site
2 and 3 had a pH of 8.140 (±0.210) and 8.331 (±0.082) respectively. The samples
of water show very low levels of metals which not exceed normal values with the
exception of the Cd. This mineral element presents concentrations higher than
0.003 mg/l. The pH of the river Lubumbashi water meets drinking water standards
accepted by the WHO. The Cd that has very high concentrations may contribute to
the pollution of the river Lubumbashi. Note that the STL plant contributes
significantly to the alkalizing and pollution water following these liquids
tributaries.
Cite this paper
Niclette, L. , Christian, K. P. , Maguy, K. S. , Clarisse, B. K. , Pierre, T. N. , Christelle, N. T. , Kleph, K. Z. , Khangmariette, K. , Esther, K. I. , Andre, W. O. T. , Pierre, M. M. , Astrid, K. M. , Michel, K. N. and Oscar, L. N. (2017). Physio-Chemical and Toxicological Study of the Water of the Lubumbashi River, in Democratic Republic of Congo. Open Access Library Journal, 4, e3562. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1103562.
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