[en] The lead/zinc mining industry of Kabwe (Central Province of Zambia), in operation from 1906 to 1994, generated metalliferous slag heaps covering an area of over 75 ha. The slag heaps are responsible for aerosol emissions with a high heavy metal content over the mine townships of Kasanda and Chowa, resulting in health risks for the local population. In this phytogeochemical investigation, soil samples showed very high lead, zinc and copper concentrations in topsoil. Plant surveys identified 39 taxa, including several tropical and metalloresistant weeds. We concluded that phytostabilization was the only suitable management method for the area. Plant species recommended for phytostabilization are Indigofera spicata, Melinis repens, Cynodon dactylon, Aristida adscencionis and Pennisetum setaceum.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Leteinturier, B.; Laboratoire d'Écologie, Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques, Passage des Deportes, 2, B 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Laroche, J.; Unité de Géopédologie, Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques, Avenue du Maréchal Juin, 27, B 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Matera, J.; Laboratoire d'Écologie, Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques, Passage des Deportes, 2, B 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Malaisse, François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Language :
English
Title :
Reclamation of lead/zinc processing wastes at Kabwe, Zambia: A phytogeochemical approach
Publication date :
2001
Journal title :
South African Journal of Science
ISSN :
0038-2353
eISSN :
0370-8462
Publisher :
South African Assn. For The Advancement Of Science, South Africa
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