Speciation and bioavailability of potentially toxic element in soils and sediments of mining areas in Meiganga Adamawa plateau (Cameroon).

IF 3.8 3区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Environmental Geochemistry and Health Pub Date : 2025-08-19 DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02716-1

S Danala Danga, L Ekengele Nga, D Tiki, L E Mamdem, B Djangue Moustapha, B A Ibrahim, A Hamadou, J B Sounya, P C Ndi, D L Bitom

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Abstract

Contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a major environmental concern, especially in mining sites, given the often-increasing concentrations in soil and sediments. Under certain conditions, such contamination may expand beyond the mining area, posing risks to human health. This study investigates the environmental hazard associated with PTEs in soils and river sediments from the Meiganga gold district by evaluating their speciation and mobility. A total of 60 samples (48 soils and 12 sediments) were collected for total digestion analysis. Among these, 10 samples identified as contaminated with PTEs were selected for further speciation analysis using single and sequential (BCR) extraction methods, alongside SEM/EDS. The total concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Cd in the selected samples exceeded the average upper continental values. Cd and Zn exhibited the highest extraction rates (83.33% and 61% respectively), indicating high mobility and potential environmental risk, particularly due to their association with the acid-soluble fraction. In contrast, Cr, As, Cu, Ni and Pb were mainly bound to the residual and reducible fractions, indicating lower mobility and reduced environmental risk. In addition. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed strong associations between several PTEs (Cr, Ni, Pb, As and Zn) and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides, which could release these elements under changing redox conditions. Both the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index confirm significant contamination while the high mobility of several PTEs indicates considerable ecological risk. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and appropriate remediation measures are strongly recommended for the Meiganga gold district.

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喀麦隆Meiganga Adamawa高原矿区土壤和沉积物中潜在有毒元素的形态和生物有效性。

潜在有毒元素（pte）的污染是一个主要的环境问题，特别是在采矿地点，因为土壤和沉积物中的浓度经常增加。在某些条件下，这种污染可能扩大到矿区以外，对人类健康构成威胁。本研究通过对梅干加金矿区土壤和河流沉积物中pte的形态和流动性的评价，探讨了pte对环境的危害。共采集60份样品（48份土壤和12份沉积物）进行全消化分析。其中，10个样品被确定为pte污染，使用单次和序列（BCR）提取方法以及SEM/EDS进行进一步的物种形成分析。所选样品中Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Pb和Cd的总浓度超过上大陆平均值。Cd和Zn的提取率最高（分别为83.33%和61%），表明它们具有高迁移性和潜在的环境风险，特别是由于它们与酸溶性部分的关联。Cr、As、Cu、Ni和Pb主要结合在残留和可还原组分上，迁移率较低，环境风险较低。此外。SEM/EDS分析证实了几种pte （Cr, Ni, Pb， As和Zn）与Fe-Mn氧化氢氧化物之间的强关联，在变化的氧化还原条件下可以释放这些元素。富集系数和地积指数均表明污染程度较高，而若干pte的高迁移率表明存在较大的生态风险。因此，强烈建议对梅甘加金矿区进行持续监测并采取适当的补救措施。

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来源期刊

Environmental Geochemistry and Health 环境科学-工程：环境

CiteScore

8.00

自引率

4.80%

发文量

279

审稿时长

4.2 months

期刊介绍： Environmental Geochemistry and Health publishes original research papers and review papers across the broad field of environmental geochemistry. Environmental geochemistry and health establishes and explains links between the natural or disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface and the health of plants, animals and people. Beneficial elements regulate or promote enzymatic and hormonal activity whereas other elements may be toxic. Bedrock geochemistry controls the composition of soil and hence that of water and vegetation. Environmental issues, such as pollution, arising from the extraction and use of mineral resources, are discussed. The effects of contaminants introduced into the earth’s geochemical systems are examined. Geochemical surveys of soil, water and plants show how major and trace elements are distributed geographically. Associated epidemiological studies reveal the possibility of causal links between the natural or disturbed geochemical environment and disease. Experimental research illuminates the nature or consequences of natural or disturbed geochemical processes. The journal particularly welcomes novel research linking environmental geochemistry and health issues on such topics as: heavy metals (including mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mixed chemicals emitted through human activities, such as uncontrolled recycling of electronic-waste; waste recycling; surface-atmospheric interaction processes (natural and anthropogenic emissions, vertical transport, deposition, and physical-chemical interaction) of gases and aerosols; phytoremediation/restoration of contaminated sites; food contamination and safety; environmental effects of medicines; effects and toxicity of mixed pollutants; speciation of heavy metals/metalloids; effects of mining; disturbed geochemistry from human behavior, natural or man-made hazards; particle and nanoparticle toxicology; risk and the vulnerability of populations, etc.