Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals from Mine Tailings and Waste Rocks Around Mining Areas of Oshiri-Ishiagu Region, Southeastern Nigeria

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Earth Systems and Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Potentially toxic metals concentration and pollution in mining areas have become a major environmental concern. Predicting the toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu) in waste rocks and mine tailings in the study area is important in establishing environmental policies and potential pollution sources. The mine tailings and waste-rock samples were geochemically analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to identify distribution of the potentially toxic metal concentrations (in mg/kg). Data obtained were standardized and assessed using risk factors namely; index of geoaccumulation, contamination, and enrichment factors to define parameters that caused the toxic metal partitions in mine tailings and waste rocks. Geochemical evaluation indicates the potentially toxic metals concentrations in the following trends: Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Co > Ni and Zn > Mn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Co for waste rocks and mine tailings, respectively. Results of the analysis show that Co, Cu, Mn, and Ni have values of the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) ranging from unpolluted to moderate pollution levels in waste rocks and mine tailings; indicating insignificant contribution to contamination in the area. The index of geoaccumulation for Fe in mine tailings which ranges from 1.94 to 2.04 indicates moderate to strong pollution in tailings but devoid of significant pollution in waste rocks with values less than 0.14. However, Cd recorded the highest pollution level with maximum Igeo values of 6.81 in waste rocks and 3.83 in mine tailings. Meanwhile, some mine sites have values of pollution load index (PLI) less than 1; indicating areas around the mine province that are still unpolluted. Notwithstanding, enrichment in most of the environments produced conduits through which natural biospheric sources, such as air, water, and soil, could deteriorate. The outcome of this study would, therefore, establish a database for future environmental risk assessment of the region.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

modified from Akande and Erdtmann 1998)

Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

References

  • Agboola O, Babatunde DE, Fayomi OSI, Sadiku ER, Popoola P, Moropeng L, Yahaya A, Mamudu OA (2020) A review on the impact of mining operation: Monitoring, assessment, and management. Res Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2020.100181

  • Akande SO, Erdtmann BD (1998) Burial metamorphism (thermal maturation) in Cretaceous sediments of the southern Benue Trough and Anambra Basin, Nigeria. Am Asso Petrol Geol Bull 82:119–1206

    Google Scholar 

  • American Public Health Association (APHA) (1995) Standard methods for the examination for water and wastewater, 19th eds. Byrd Prepress, Springfield, Washington

  • Anim-Gyampo M, Anornu GK, Agodzo SK, Appiah-Adjei EK (2018) Groundwater risk assessment of shallow aquifers within the Atankwidi Basin of Northeastern Ghana. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-018-0077-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asaah AV, Abimbola AF (2005) Heavy metal concentrations and distribution in surface soils of the Bassa Industrial Zone 1 Doula, Cameroon. J Sci Eng 31:147–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Bai J, Cui B, Wang Q, Gao H, Ding Q (2008) Assessment of heavy metal contamination of roadside soils in southwest China. Environ Res Risk Assess. Springer-Verlag Publication, 7–20

  • Benkhelil J (1987) Structural frame and deformations in the Benue Trough of Nigeria. Bull Centres Rech Explor-Prod Elf- Aquitaine 11:160–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Benkhelil J (1989) The origin and evolution of the Cretaceous Benue Trough, Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sci 8:251–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke KC (1976) The Chad Basin: active intra-continental basin. Tectonophysics 36:197–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke KC, Dessauvagie TFG, Whiteman AJ (1972) Geological history of the Benue valley and adjacent areas. In: Dessauvagie TFJ, Whiteman AJ (eds) African Geology. University of Ibadan, Nigeria, pp 20–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Cappuyns V, Swennen R (2008) The use of leaching test to study the potential mobilization of heavy metals from soil and sediments: A comparison. Water Air Soil Pol 191:95–111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Celebi A, Ozdemir S (2015) Environmental effects and importance of risk assessments for mining wastewater. Proceedings of the 24th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey, Antalya, Turkey

  • Chileshe MN, Syampungani S, Festin ES, Tigabu M, Daneshvar A, Ode PC (2020) Physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal concentrations of copper mine wastes in Zambia: implications for pollution risk and restoration. J for Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-019-00921-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cotter J, Brigden K (2006) Acid mine drainage: the case of the Lafayette mine, Rapu (Philippines). Greenpeace Research Laboratories. Technical Note 09/2006. University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom, 48–64

  • Crommentuijn T, Polder MD, Van de Plassche EJ (1997) Maximum concentrations and negligible for metals. Taking background concentration into account, RIVM Report 601501001, Bilthoven, Netherlands

  • Dudka S, Adriano DC (1999) Environmental impacts of metal ore mining and processing: a review. J Environ Qual 26:90–602

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekoa Bessa AZ, Ambassa Bela V, Ngueutchoua G et al (2021) Characteristics and source identification of environmental trace metals in beach sediments along the littoral zone of Cameroon. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00279-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elueze AA, Ekwere AS, Nton ME (2009) Geoenvironmental assessment of the environs of the aluminum smelting company in Ikot Abasi, southeastern Nigeria. J Min Geol 45:115–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Emmanuel DS, Musah SZ, Harriet MK (2018) Comparative analysis of fluoride concentrations in groundwaters in Northern and Southern Ghana: implications for the contaminant sources. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-018-0044-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eze CL, Uko ED (2007) Preliminary investigations of acid mine drainage (AMD) problems in the Ishiagu lead/zinc open-pit mine, Southeast, Nigeria. J Appl Sci Environ Manag 2:103–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezeaku PI, Davidson A (2008) Analytical situations of land degradation and sustainable management strategies in Africa. J Agri Soc Sci 4:42–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezepue MC (1984) The geologic setting of lead-zinc deposits at Ishiagu, Southeastern Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sci 4:97–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Eyankware MO, Nnabo PN, Ogwah C (2020) Impact of past mining activity on water resources around active and abandoned mines in Ebonyi State, South-Eastern Nigeria- A mini review. Hydro Sci Mar Eng 2(2):29–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eyankware MO, Igwe EO, Onwe IM (2021) Geochemical study of groundwater using modeling approach in Ojekwe region of southern Benue Trough, Nigeria. Int J Energy Water Resour. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00163-z

  • Fagbote EO, Olanipekun EO (2010) Evaluation of the status of heavy metal pollution of sediment of Agbabu bitumen deposit area, Nigeria. Eur J Sci Res 41:373–382

    Google Scholar 

  • Fairhead JD (1988) Mesozoic plate tectonics reconstructions of the central South Atlantic Ocean: the role of the West and Central African Rift System. Tectonophysics 187:231–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Falagan C, Grail BM, Johnson DB (2017) New approaches for extracting and recovering metals from mine tailings. Min Eng 106(2017):71–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrington JL (1952) A preliminary description of the Nigerian lead-zinc field. Economic Geo 47:583–608

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gabrielyan AV, Shahnazaryan GA, Minasyan SH (2018) Distribution and identification of sources of heavy metals in the Voghji River Basin impacted by mining activities. Environ Biogeochem Elements Emerg Contam. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7172426

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaderian SM, Ravandi AAG (2013) Accumulation of copper and other heavy metals by plants growing on Sarcheshmeh copper mining area. Iran J Geochem Expl 123:25–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hira A, Basir AA, Muhammad SA. Taj MJ. Farah A (2018) Potential for phytoextraction of Cu by Sesamum indicum L. and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.: a green solution to decontaminate soil. Earth Syst Environ https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-018-0038-x

  • Hong-gui D, Teng-feng G, Ming-hui L, Xu D (2012) Comprehensive assessment model on heavy metal pollution in soil. Intern J Electrochem Sci 7:5286–5296

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoque M (1977) Petrographic differential of tectonically controlled Cretaceous sedimentary cycles, southern Nigeria. J Sedim Geol 17:235–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoque M, Nwajide CS (1984) Paleohydraulic reconstruction of late Cretaceous river in the Middle Benue Trough (Nigeria) and its limitations. Paleogeo Paleoclim Paleoeco 47:245–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huu HH, Rudy S, Van D (2010) Distribution and contamination status of heavy metals in estuarine sediments near Cauong harbor, Halong Bay. Vietnam Geo Belgica 13:37–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO, Amoke GU, Ngwu CN (2013) Provenance and tectonic setting of Amasiri Sandstone (Turonian) in Ugep area, Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria: evidences from petrography and geochemistry. Glob J Sci Front Res 13:33–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO (2015) Aspects of sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleogeography of the Eze-Aku Group (late Cenomanian – Turonian) in the Afikpo Synclinorium, southern Benue Trough. Thesis, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO (2017a) Palynomorph taxa distribution in the Eze-Aku and Nkporo shales within the eastern flank of Abakaliki Anticlinorium, southeastern Nigeria. Am J Environ Eng Sci 4(2):8–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO (2017b) Composition, provenance and tectonic setting of Eze-Aku Sandstone facies in the Afikpo Synclinorium. South Benue Trough Nigeria Environ Earth Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6750-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO, Okoro AU (2016) Field and lithostratigraphic studies of the Eze-Aku Group in the Afikpo Synclinorium, southern Benue Trough Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sci 119:38–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igwe EO, Ede CO, Nnabo PN, Ukpai SN (2020) Impact of heavy metals dispersion on water supplies around Oshiri and Ishiagu mine districts of Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria. Model Earth Syst Environ https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-020-00950-3

  • Igwe EO, Ede CO, Eyankware MO (2021) Heavy metals concentration and distribution in soils around Oshiri and Ishiagu lead–zinc mining areas, southeastern Nigeria. World Sci News 158:22–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Ikenaka Y, Nakayama SMM, Muzandu K, Choongo K, Teraoka H, Mizuno N, Ishizuka M (2010) Heavy metal contamination of soil and sediment in Zambia. Afr J Environ Sci Tech 4(11):729–739

    Google Scholar 

  • James S, Brown J (2009) Effects of biphenyl-A and other endocrine disruptors compared with abnormalities of schizophrenia: an endocrine disruption theory of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bull 35(1):256–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khorasanipour AM, Majid H, Tangestani A, RezaNaseh B, Hajmohammadi H (2011) Hydrochemistry, mineralogy and chemical fraction of mine and processing wastes, associated with porphyry copper mines: a case study from the Sarcheshmeh mine. Iran Appl Geochem 26:714–730

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kogbe CA (1975) The Upper Cretaceous Abeokuta Formation of southwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Field 4:154–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogbe CA (1976) Paleogeographic history of Nigeria from Albian times. In: Kogbe CA (ed) Geology of Nig. Elizabeth Publishers Lagos, pp 237–252

  • Kumar SP, Edward JKP (2009) Assessment of metal concentration in the sediment cores of Munakudy estuary, southwest coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 38:235–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Lakatusu R, Dumitru M, Risnoveanu I, Baciu C (2001) Soil pollution by acid rains and heavy metal in Zlatna Region, Romania, pp 817–820

  • Liu WH, Zhao ZJ, Ouyang ZY, Solderland L, Liu HG (2005) Impacts of sewage irrigation on heavy metal distribution and contamination in Beijing, China. Environ Intern 31:805–812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li MS, Luo YP, Su ZY (2007) Heavy metal concentrations in soils and plant accumulation in a restored manganese mine land in Guangxi, South China. Environ Pol 147:168–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liao G, Eiao D, Li Q (2008) Heavy metals’ contamination characteristics in soils of different mining active zones. Trans Nonferrous Metals Soc China 18:207–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Likuku AS, Mmolawa KB, Gaboutloeloe GK (2013) Assessment of heavy metal enrichment and degree of contamination around the Copper-Nickel Mine in the Selebi Phikwe region, eastern Botswana. Environ Eco Res 1:32–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lima AT, O’Connell MK, DW, Verhoeven J, Van Cappellen P, (2016) The legacy of surface mining: remediation, restoration, reclamation, and rehabilitation. Environ Sci Pol 66:227–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lokeshwari H, Chandrappa GT (2006) Heavy metals content in water, water hyacinth, and sediments of Lalbagh Tank. Bangalore in Indian. J Environ Sci Eng 48:183–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Manyele SV (2017) Analysis of waste-rock transportation process performance in an open-pit mine based on statistical analysis of cycle times data. Engineering 9:649–679. https://doi.org/10.4236/eng.2017.97040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mediolla LL, Domingues MCD, Sandoval MRG (2008) Environmental assessment of an active tailing pile in the state of Mexico (Central Mexico). Res J Environ Sci 2:197–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mendoza OT, Yta M, Tovar RM, Almazan AD, Mundo NF, Gutierrez CD (2005) Mineralogy and geochemistry of sulphide-bearing tailing from silver mines in the Taxco, Mexico area to evaluate their potential environmental impact. Geofisica Intern 44:4964

    Google Scholar 

  • Monterroso C, Rodrıguez F, Chaves R, Diez J, Becerra-Castro C, Kidd SP, Macias F (2014) Heavy metal distribution in the mine soils and plants growing in a Pb/Zn mining area in NW Spain. Appl Geochem 44:3–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muncha AP, Teresa M, Vasconcelos SD, Adriano B (2003) Macrobenthic community in the Douro Estuary: relations with trace metal, and natural sediment characteristics. Environ Pol 121:169–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murat RC (1972) Stratigraphy and Paleogeography of the Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary in Southern Nigeria. In: Dessauvagie TFJ, Whiteman AJ (eds) African Geology. University of Ibadan, Nigeria, pp 201–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash JT (2002) Hydrogeochemical investigations of historic mining districts, Central Western slope of Colorado, including influence on surface water quality. USGS Digital Data Ser 73:168

    Google Scholar 

  • Nimick DA, Church SE, Cleasln IE, Fey DL, Kimball BA, Leib KJ. et al. (1999) Characterization of metals in water and bed sediment in two watershedsaffected by historical mining in Colorado

  • Nwachukwu SO (1972) The tectonic evolution of the southern portion of Benue Trough, Nigeria. Geol Mag 109:411–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwachukwu SO (1975) Temperature of formation of vein minerals in the southern portion of the Benue Trough, Nigeria. Nigerian J Min Geol 11:45–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Nwajide CS (2013) Geology of Nigeria’s Sedimentary Basins. CSS Bookshops, Lagos

    Google Scholar 

  • Obaje NG (2009) Geology and mineral resources of Nigeria. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg

  • Obasi AI, Ekpe II, Igwe EO, Nnachi Enwo E (2015) The Physical properties of soils within major dumpsites in Abakaliki Urban, Southeastern Nigeria, and their Implications to Groundwater Contamination. Int J Agric for 5(1):17–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Ofem KI, Pawlett M, Eyong MO et al (2021) Multivariate modeling of some metals concentrations in agrarian soils: distribution and soil fertility implications in the tropics. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00267-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogendi GM, Hannigan RE, Farris TL (2007) Toxicity of metal-enriched black shales draining surface water to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas. J Agric Food Environ 1:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Oje OA, Uzoegwu PN, Onwurah IN, Nwodo UU (2010) Environmental pollution levels of lead and zinc in Ishiagu and Uburu communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Bull Environ Contamin Tox 85(3):313–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-010-0082-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okogbue CO, Ukpai SN (2013) Evaluation of trace element contents in groundwater in Abakaliki Metropolis and around the abandoned mine sites in the southern part, Southeastern, Nigeria. Environ Earth Sci 70:3351–3362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okoro AU, Igwe EO (2018) Sequence Stratigraphy and controls on sedimentation of the Upper Cretaceous in the Afikpo Sub-basin, southeastern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 11(6):1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3468-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okoro AU, Igwe EO, Umo IA (2020) Sedimentary facies, paleoenvironments and reservoir potential of the Afikpo Sandstone on Macgregor Hills area in the Afikpo Sub-basin, southeastern Nigeria. SN Applied Sciences, 2:1862, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03601-5.

  • Olade MA (1975) Evolution of Nigeria’s Benue Trough (Aulacogen): a tectonic model. Geol Mag 112:575–583

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Omoniyi MI (2018) Distribution and multivariate pollution risks assessment of heavy metals and natural radionuclides around abandoned iron-ore mines in North Central Nigeria. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-018-0035-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orazulike DM (1994) The mineralogy and textures of lead-zinc-copper ores of Enyigba lode. J Min Geol 30:25–32

  • Pasava J, Kribek B, Zak K, Li C, Deng LL, Liu J, Gao Z, Luo T, Zeng M (2003) Environmental impacts of mining of Ni-Mo black shale-hosted deposits in the Zunyi region, southern china: preliminary results of the study of toxic metals in the system rock soil plant. Bull Geosci (czech Geological Survey) 78:25–260

    Google Scholar 

  • Plakaki EQ (2006) Toxic elements in soils of the Stratoni mining area, Chalkidiki in western Greece. Source from the closed metal mines as the potential contamination source. Environ Geol 41:358–364

    Google Scholar 

  • Plant JA, Raiswell R (1983) Principles of environmental geochemistry. In: Thornton I (ed) Appl environ geochem. Academic Press, London, pp 1–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Peres-Neto PR, Legendre P, Dray S, Borcard D (2006) Variation portioning of species data matrix estimation and comparison of fractions. Ecology 87:2614–2625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reijers TJA, Petters SW, Nwajide CS (1997) The Niger Delta Basin. In: Hsu KJ (ed) African basins. Sedimentary basins of the world, Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam, pp 145–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Remon E, Bouchardonb JL, Corniera B, Guyb B, Leclerca JC, Faure O (2005) Soil characteristics, heavy metal availability and vegetation recovery at a former metallurgical landfill: implications in risk assessment and site restoration. Environ Pollut 137:316–323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reyment RA (1965) Aspect of the Geology of Nigeria. University of Ibadan press. Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Google Scholar 

  • Rustan A, Nie S (1992) New method to test rock breaking properties of explosive in full scale. Int J Min Environ 6:191–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Salvareedy-Aranguren MM, Probst A, Roulet M, Isaure M (2008) Contamination of surface waters by mining wastes in the Milluni valley (Cordillera Real, Bolivia): mineralogical and hydrological influences. Appl Geochem 23:1299–1324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seshan BRR, Natesan U, Deepthi K (2010) Geochemical and statistical approach for evaluation of heavy metal pollution in core sediments in the southeast coast of India. Int J Environ Sci Technol 7(2):291–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sezgin N, Nadeem I, El Afandi G (2021) Environmental pollution assessment of trace metals in road dust of Istanbul in Turkey. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00271-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sutherland RA (2000) Bed sediment-associated trace metals in an urban stream, Oahu Hawaii. Environ Geo 39:611–637

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tchatchouang Chougong D, Ngueutchoua G, Henock Dicka E et al (2021) Distributions of trace metals and radionuclides contamination in alluvial sediments from the Lobé River in Cameroon. Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00251-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomlinson DL, Wilson JG, Harris CR, Jeffney DW (1980) Problems in the assessment of heavy metal levels in estuaries, and the formation of a pollution index. Helgol Wiss Meeresunters 33:566–572

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tijani MN, Onodera S (2001) Hydrogeochemical assessment of metal contamination in an urban drainage system. A case study of Osogbo Township, Southwestern Nigeria. J Water Res pro 1:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Ukpai SN, Ezeh HN, Effam SC (2020) Eco-hydrology and the effects on the national economy: case of the eastern region of Abakaliki Anticlinorium Southeastern Nigeria. Appl Water Sci,. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-1147-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vodyanitskii YN (2016) Standards for contents of some heavy metals in the soil of some States. Ann Agrarian Sci 14(3):257–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XS, Zhu GC, Wang SJ, Tan YB (2011) Distribution and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in marine near-shore sediment cores: a case study from the Xugou Lianyungang, China. Environ Monitor and Assess 177:263–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDE) (2003) An assessment of laboratory leaching tests for predicting the impacts of fill material on groundwater and surface water quality. Toxic Cleanup Program Olympia, Washington 98504–7600, No. 03–09–107.

  • Whiteman AJ (1982) Nigeria: its petroleum geology resources and potentials. Graham and Trotman, London, pp 394–416

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wild A (1993) Soils and the environment. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wixson BG (1980) Geochemistry and pollution environmental geochemistry and health. The Royal Society, London, pp 230–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong MH (2003) Ecological restoration of mine degraded soils, with emphasis on metal contaminated soils. Chemosphere 50:775–780

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO) (2006) World reference base for heavy metals permissible limits for soil, World Health Organization

  • Yan CA, Zhang W, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Deng C, Nie N (2015). Assessment of water quality and identification of polluted risky regions based on field observations and GIS in the Honghe River Watershed, China. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119130

  • Yoon J, Cao X, Zhou Q, Ma LO (2006) Accumulation of Pb, Cu, and Zn in native plants grown on a contaminated Florida site. Sci the Total Environ 368:456–464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang P, McBride MB, Xia H (2009) Health risks from heavy metals via consumption of food crops in the vicinity of Dabaoshan mine. South China Sci Total Environ 407(5):1551–1561

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all who assisted in conducting this work

Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Ezekiel Obinna Igwe, Christian O. Ede & Moses O. Eyankware

  2. GeoMoses Consultancy Limited, Warri, Nigeria

    Moses O. Eyankware

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK

    Chimaobi M. Nwachukwu

  4. Division of Physics, Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA

    Onyekachi B. Williams

Authors
  1. Ezekiel Obinna Igwe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christian O. Ede
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Moses O. Eyankware
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chimaobi M. Nwachukwu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Onyekachi B. Williams
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by EOI, COE, and ME. The draft of the manuscript was written by COE and EOI. The proofreading and editing were done by CMN and OBW, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ezekiel Obinna Igwe.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interests

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 36 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Igwe, E.O., Ede, C.O., Eyankware, M.O. et al. Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals from Mine Tailings and Waste Rocks Around Mining Areas of Oshiri-Ishiagu Region, Southeastern Nigeria. Earth Syst Environ 6, 597–615 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-022-00306-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-022-00306-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation