Abstract
A study of gold (Au) mining areas in Tanzania is being undertaken to assess environmental impacts arising Gum the use of mercury (Hg) in gold extraction. Initial results already indicated the presence of elevated Hg concentrations in environmental samples from the mining areas. The mean Hg concentration in river sediments in 4.19 μg l. soils within gold mining and processing centres exhibit high Hg content (mean 3.39 μg/g) that decreases rapidly to background regional values within a distance of a few kilometres. A review of published Hg data for sediments, fish and aquatic plants from African inland and coastal waters revealed. with a few exceptions. low Hg concentrations close to natural background levels.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Biney C., Amuzu, A.T., Calamari D., Kaba N, Mbome I.L., Naeve H., Ochumba P.B.O., Osibanjo O., Radegonde V. and Saad M.A.M.: 1994,Review of heavy metals to the African aquatic environment.Ecotoxicology and Environ. Safety,28. 134–159.
Biney C.A. and Beeko C.A.: 1991,Trace metal concentrations in fish and sediment from the Wiwi, a small urban river in Kumasi, Ghana, Trop. Ecol.,32 no. 2. 197–206.
Greichus Y.A., Greichus A., Ammann B.D., Call D.J., Hamman K.C.D. and Pott R.M.: 1977.Insecticides. polychlorinated biphenyls and metals in African lake ecosystems. I. Hartbeespoort Dam, Transvaal and I Voelvlei Dam. Cape Province republic of South Africa.Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 19, 454–461.
Larceda L.D. and Salomons W.: 1991.Mercury in the Amazon: A Chemical Time Bomb? Dutch Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment: 46 pages.
Malm O., Pfeiffer C.W., Souza C.M.M. and Reuther R., 1990.Mercury pollution due to gold mining in the Medeira River Basin, Bazil.Ambio.19, -1;11–15.
Matthew A.D.: 1981.Mercury in fish of the Republic of Seychelles and hair and blood mercury levels of part of the population exposed to methyl mercury through fish consumption.Fish Bull. Fish Div. Seychelles.9, 1–62.
Minerals Yearbook.: 1980. Vol. III: Area Reports — International. US Bureau of Mines Department of the interior.
Minerals Yearbook.: 1985. Vol. III: Area Reports — International. US Bureau of Mines Department of the interior.
Ntow W.J. and Kliwaja M.A.: 1989,Mercury pollution in Ghana (West Africa) coastal commercial fish.Environ. Tech. Left. no.10. 109–116.
Shrestha K.P. and Ruiz de Quilarque X: 1989,Preliminary study of mercury contamination in the surface soil and river sediment of the Roscio District, Bolivar State. Venezuela.Sci. Total Environ. 79-3, 233–239.
Van Straaten H.P.: 1982.Gold mineralization in Tanzania — A Review: in Foster R.P. (ed.): Gold'82 — The Geology geochemistry and genesis of gold deposits. Geol. Soc. Zimbabwe, Spec. publ. No. 2. 673–685.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ikingura, J.R., Mutakyahwa, M.K.D. & Kahatano, J.M.J. Mercury and mining in africa with special reference to Tanzania. Water Air Soil Pollut 97, 223–232 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407460
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407460