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 (Igeo). 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. Igeo 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.
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