article · Watershed Ecology and the Environment
This study assessed the levels and distribution of heavy metals in the Mura and Kimpulande Rivers, which are affected by copper-cobalt and gold mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Researchers analysed riverbed sediments and water samples using advanced spectrometry techniques. The findings revealed high concentrations of nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in water samples, with arsenic, cadmium, and mercury exceeding national legal limits for mine water discharges. Sediments also showed elevated levels of copper, chromium, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Calculations indicated extremely severe enrichment and pollution by certain metals, posing a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems. The study concludes by recommending a review of current mining practices and urgent enforcement of good environmental practices.
Heavy metal contamination from mining poses serious threats to river ecosystems and potentially to human health through water and food chains. This research highlights specific pollution issues in mining-affected rivers, providing crucial data for environmental protection and policy interventions to safeguard natural resources.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercialisation pathway for a product or service. Instead, it points to the need for improved environmental management and regulatory enforcement within the mining sector.
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The contamination levels and distribution of heavy metals were assessed in riverbed sediments and water column samples from Mura and Kimpulande Rivers, both impacted by copper-cobalt and gold mining activities. Analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Results showed high concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Hg in water samples. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Hg in water from both rivers exceeded the limits set in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) legislation on requirements for mine water discharges. High concentrations were found also for Cu, Cr, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in river sediments and were assessed against sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. The Enrichment factor (EF) and the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values revealed extremely severe enrichment of Cu, Co, As, and Cd and extreme pollution by Cu and Co in sediment samples demonstrating high contamination of these rivers. The results from calculated ecologic risk factors revealed that aquatic ecosystems in the investigated rivers are at risk. Therefore, a review of current mining practices is needed and the urgent enforcement of good practices is recommended in order to protect the environment and public health.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.wsee.2022.10.004
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