Heavy metals concentrations in the biophysical environment around the Ni-Cu mine and the smelter/concentrator plant, Selebi Phikwe, Botswana

Abstract

The present work involves the study of heavy metals concentrations in the biophysical environment of a Ni-Cu mining and smelting area in Botswana, Africa. Samples of tailings dump, soils, particulate air matter (PAM), Imbrasia belina, and Colophospermum mopane were analysed for concentrations of heavy metals. Elements analysed were those associated with Ni-Cu mining and smelting included Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Se and Zn, which were likely to be found in Ni-Cu orebodies and released into the biophysical environment through mining and smelting activities. Results depicted higher concentration levels of heavy metals in samples obtained close to the mine and the concentrator/smelter plant compared to samples obtained further away from where mining and smelting activities are being carried out. It is anticipated that these findings may be useful in interpreting biophysical environments where Ni-Cu mining and smelting activities are being conducted.

Keywords: Selebi Phikwe, biophysical, heavy metals, environment

Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 97–110