Assessment of Heavy Metal Concetration in Maize Grown in the Proximity of Kalulush Mine Area (Copper, Lead, Cadmium and Zinc)

In the vicinity of the kalulushi copper smelter and farm areas were studied in order to assess the special distribution of metals or metalloids contaminates of (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn). However, several studies mines like Kalulushi mine area have revealed that the area has been adversely affected by mining activities as the result of that, areas that are adjacent to the copper mining showed highest levels of heavy metal contamination in the soil samples of kalulushi farms areas near the smelter stack.

The main aim of this research was to assess the Terence of the soil in correlation to contamination of heavy metals in the soils with different settlements in the areas of Kalulushi farms near mines, Zambia. Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Zinc were analyzed. A total of 8 samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm and 0-20cm. Of the samples collected, 5 were from farm areas, 2 from the Maine area smelter and 1 from kalulushi primary school, just a few kilometers away from the old mines. The heavy metal analysis was done using the Atom Absorption Spectrometer at the university of Zambia lab. The study used a sampling intensity of 100 m. From the soil samples analyzed, Lead had the highest concentration followed by Zink. Copper was next then Cadmium showing no traces. Average concentrations were as follows Zink 1405.200 mg/kg, Lead 1249.700 mg/kg, Copper 50.00 mg/kg and less than Cadmium 0.002 mg/kg respectively. However, in line with that standard as regards the maximum contamination levels of heavy metals, results of this study shows that the average, soils of Kalulushi farm areas are heavily polluted with heavy metals. Recommendations on remediation techniques were such that Lemon grass and Sunflower could be used in a process known as phytoextraction as cited in other similar studies and literature.