An overview of potentially toxic element pollution in soil around lead–zinc mining areas

Abstract

Metal mining activities have been major contributors of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment, leading to substantial soil pollution. One such example is lead–zinc mining around the world. Elevated concentrations of PTEs are commonly detected in nearby areas of both active and abandoned mines. This is primarily attributed to the release and dispersal of untreated waste materials from these mines into the surrounding environment. Mining-related soil pollution with PTEs can pose many different kinds of risks in a variety of contexts such as eco-toxicity, phytotoxicity, human health risk, as well as soil and water pollution. This review summarizes available data in the literature (2000–2023) on PTEs polluted soils originating from lead–zinc mining areas across the world. In this study, an attempt has been taken to evaluate the pollution level of PTEs in soils using collected data. The study shows the most polluted world regions are reported in Asia, followed by Europe and Africa, and only a few studies are reported in north, central and south America. The elements commonly analyzed in conjunction with Pb and Zn were Cd and Cu, whereas those responsible for increased pollution were Cd > As > Cu > Hg–Mn–Tl. Assessment of the pollution and health hazards has shifted to include a variety of quality indexes, including multivariate statistical analyses and microbial diversity.

Department(s)

School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1139/er-2024-0052

Keywords

acid mine drainage, lead–zinc mine, potentially toxic elements, soil pollution, tailings

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal Title

Environmental Reviews

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