Assessment of trace metal and rare earth elements contamination in rivers around abandoned and active mine areas. The case of Lubumbashi River and Tshamilemba Canal, Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

摘要: Abstract Active and abandoned mine activities constitute the sources of deterioration water soil quality in many parts world, particularly African Copperbelt regions. The accumulation soils release toxic substances into aquatic ecosystem can lead to resources pollution may place organisms human health at risk. In this study, impact past mining activity (i.e., mine) on ecosystems has been studied using ICP-MS analysis for trace metals Rare Earth Elements (REE) sediment samples from Lubumbashi River (RL) Tshamilemba Canal (CT), Katanga, Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). Soil surrounding CT were collected evaluate metal REE concentrations their spatial distribution. extent contamination compared background area was assessed by Enrichment Factor (EF) Geoaccumulation Index ( I geo ). Additionally, probable effect levels (PELs) potential environmental achieved comparing sediment/soil with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). Spearman's Rank-order correlation used identify source origin contaminants. results highlighted high surface sediments reaching values 40152, 15586, 610, 10322, 60704 15152 mg kg −1 Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Fe Mn, respectively. RL, reached 24093, 2046, 5463, 3340, 68290 769 mg kg ΣREE varied 66 218 142–331 mg kg are characterized variable metals. EF showed “extremely severe enrichment” Cu Co. However, no enrichment observed REE. Except Mo, Th, U, Eu, Ho Tm which Igeo is classified as “moderately polluted and/or unpolluted”, all elements different sites class 6, polluted”. sampling largely exceeded SQGs PELs Protection Aquatic Life recommendation. Co had positive coefficient (r = 0.741, P