LEGACY OF EXTRACTION: UNRAVELING HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN WATER AND SOIL AT ABANDONED MINE SITES

Authors

  • Ibrahim Muhammad Department of Chemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State,
  • Amina Kabir Department of Chemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State,
  • Adamu Abdulhameed Department of Chemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State,
  • Abbas Ibrahim Department of Chemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State,
  • Ahmad A. Abubakar Department of Chemistry, Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State,
  • Musa Hassan Department of Chemical Engineering, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State,

Abstract

The global proliferation of abandoned mine sites (AMS) constitutes a significant and enduring environmental predicament. These sites represent a legacy of past extractive industries, frequently leaving behind contaminated water and soil, thereby posing substantial risks to human health and ecological integrity. These contaminants which are usually heavy metals including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) persist in the environment for extended periods. This review article synthesizes current studies on heavy metal contamination associated with AMS, focusing on the sources, pathways, extent and impacts of this contamination, along with assessment methodologies, and remediation strategies.

 

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Published

2025-03-31

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025)

Section

ARTICLES

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Science World Journal

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