Gold Mining Activities on Surrounding Soils of Kombo Laka in Adamaoua Region-Cameroon

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