PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF METAL CONTAMINATION FROM MINING AREAS: CASE OF THE KAFUE RIVER, ZAMBIA

摘要

Environmental pollution due to metal contaminants is of major concern globally. Most chemical discharge is waterborne and consequently, the highest impact of contamination is on the aquatic environment. Therefore, aquatic habitats are crucial in investigating levels of toxicity imposed and designing regulatory policies thereof. The general objective of this study was to address the potential risk from metal pollution sources in Zambia on the local environment and eventual risk to the local communities through direct intake of contaminated water and/or food items. This study investigated impacts of mining activities along the Kafue River. Metal concentrations were analyzed in the non-living environment (sediments and water) and additionally, edible fish species (Brycinus imberi; Clarias ngamensis; Hepestus odoe; Marcusenius Macrolepidotus; Oreochromis andersonii, Oreochromis macrochir; Sargochromis codringtonii; Schilbe intermedius; Serranochromls angusticeps; Synodontis macrostoma and Tilapia rendalii) were sampled in Kafue River. Sediments Cu and As surpassed United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limits while Zn was above FAO permissible limits in all fishes. Indeed, the impact of metal pollution cannot be overemphasized and intervention strategies are needed.