Jason S. Ogola, Klaus Maas, and Khodani Matshusa
Klein Letaba, Tailings dam, Distribution of heavy metals, Metal poisoning
The study focused on the distribution of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Ni, Co, Cd and Mn within the Klein Letaba tailings dam and the dispersion of these metals in the surrounding area. The work involved sampling and analysis of tailings material, soil, sediments and water by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, As, Ni, Co, Cd and Mn were found to be high in both tailings material and soil with maximum values of (ppm) 143 and 126 Zn; 102 and 60 Cu; 2.488 and 1958 As; 757 and 570 Ni; 75 and 51 Co and 186 and 831 Mn in tailings material and soil respectively. Concentrations of some metals in the river sediments were also high. For example, Ni, Mn, As, Cu, and Zn registered maximum values of (ppm) 111, 379, 50, 41 and 44 respectively. Such high concentrations of heavy metals can lead to metal poisoning through dust inhalation and ingestion. The study therefore recommends rehabilitation of the tailings dam so as to stop water and wind erosion of the tailings material and dispersion of heavy metals to the environment.
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