Availability and mobilisation of potentially harmful elements in contaminated mining sites: A systematic review of using soil amendments and plants for remediation

Abstract

Aim

Environmental contamination in Ghana constitutes both a political and sustainability challenge. This study offers a contemporary analysis of the influence and prevalence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the environment related to mining activities. Additionally, we examine soil remediation initiatives and research conducted in the previous decade to tackle soil contamination and pollution issues within the mining industry.

Material and methods

The study focused on peer-reviewed publications in the last decade (i.e., 2014–2024) identified in the Scopus database. The search included articles written in English at the final stage of publication and all open-access content, including those published in gold. The study context was in Ghana. A total of 185 publications related to topics such as biochar, iron oxides, compost, charcoal, phytoremediation, organic amendments, inorganic fertilisers, and soil amendments were identified within the aforementioned time frame.

Results and discussions

We found 2,175 global document results from 2014 to 2024 related to soil amendments and phytoremediation for remediating harmful elements in mine-soils. We identified 524 documents in Ghana, which accounted for 24% of global research articles on these topics. The 185 studies that were included made up 35% of all studies on mine-contaminated soils in Ghana that used organic amendments and phytoremediation strategies. Consequently, the 185 documents constituted 9% of all research articles published in the world.

Conclusions and implications

We emphasise the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate PHE contamination to protect the health of humans, plants, and animals. Overall, green remediation can effectively tackle PHEs contamination problems, minimise the spread of metals and metalloids in the food chain, prevent their transfer into surface water and groundwater resources, and ensure a clean environment.