Event Title
Investigation of heavy-metal pollution and remediation of lead contaminated soils
Faculty Mentor
Julia Metzker, Samuel Mutiti
Keywords
Julia Metzker, Samuel Mutiti
Abstract
Lead contamination of soils, wastewater and plants is a major problem in the mining town of Kabwe, Zambia. Up until 1994, Kabwe was home to a productive lead, zinc and cadmium mining operation, and lax environmental regulations led to widespread heavy-metal pollution. Field measurements of lead levels in soils reported concentrations ranging from 27 to 328 ppm, while plant concentrations were between 0.985 to 8 ppm. We have initiated collaboration with the University of Zambia to investigate the extent and changes over time of lead contamination in Kabwe. We also investigate the effectiveness of various plants and vegetables in bioremediation methods to remove lead from soils. Total tissue lead concentrations in the soil and plant material were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results from this study have the potential for use in the development of combinations of best management practices (BMPs) for the reclamation of the lead contaminated soils and water bodies in Kabwe.
Session Name:
Chemistry I
Start Date
4-4-2014 10:15 AM
End Date
4-4-2014 11:15 AM
Location
HSB 144
Investigation of heavy-metal pollution and remediation of lead contaminated soils
HSB 144
Lead contamination of soils, wastewater and plants is a major problem in the mining town of Kabwe, Zambia. Up until 1994, Kabwe was home to a productive lead, zinc and cadmium mining operation, and lax environmental regulations led to widespread heavy-metal pollution. Field measurements of lead levels in soils reported concentrations ranging from 27 to 328 ppm, while plant concentrations were between 0.985 to 8 ppm. We have initiated collaboration with the University of Zambia to investigate the extent and changes over time of lead contamination in Kabwe. We also investigate the effectiveness of various plants and vegetables in bioremediation methods to remove lead from soils. Total tissue lead concentrations in the soil and plant material were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results from this study have the potential for use in the development of combinations of best management practices (BMPs) for the reclamation of the lead contaminated soils and water bodies in Kabwe.