Heavy metal content in soil and vegetation around Ran Mine: Human Health and Ecological Impact Implications

Author

Chimenya, Frank T.

Title

Heavy metal content in soil and vegetation around Ran Mine: Human Health and Ecological Impact Implications

Abstract

Mining operations are critical to economic development but often result in significant environmental degradation, particularly through the release of toxic heavy metals into surrounding ecosystems. This study assessed the concentration and ecological impact of five priority heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and chromium (Cr), in soils and vegetation around Ran Mine, a legacy mining site near Bindura, Zimbabwe. Soil and plant samples were systematically collected from six zones with varying proximities to the mine and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results revealed that heavy metal concentrations were significantly elevated in zones closest to the mine, particularly Zones 1 and 2, where Pollution Load Index (PLI) values exceeded 12, and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) scores surpassed 1600, indicating very high ecological risk. Vegetation samples, including commonly consumed plants such as bean and pumpkin leaves, showed substantial accumulation of Cd and Pb, with bioaccumulation factors (BAF) exceeding 1 in several cases. These findings suggest a direct risk of heavy metal exposure to local communities through food and soil contact. The study concludes that immediate remediation is necessary, and recommends phytoremediation, land use restrictions, and community awareness programs.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Human Health

Heavy Metal Content

Ecological Impact Implications

Soil And Vegetation

Supervisor

Professor Dzomba