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<p>Soil contamination from toxic elements (TEs) is a prominent issue threatening environmental sustainability and human health. In this study, we assess the impact of illegal gold mining on TE concentrations, and its ecological and human health risks in Atwima Mponua and Amansie West, two illegal mining hotspot districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A total of thirty-five composite soil samples were collected, air-dried and analysed for TE (Hg, Pb, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn) concentrations. The results revealed that TE concentrations ranked as Ni (2.36&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Hg (9.33&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; As (12.36&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Cd (17.02&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Pb (18.22&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Zn (452.17&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Cu (530.79&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>) &lt; Fe (3574.20&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>). Except for Pb, As, and Ni, all other TEs examined in the study were higher than the WHO/FAO standards. The enrichment and contamination factors and geoaccumulation index revealed that Hg, As, and Cd were the highest contaminants and posed a substantially higher ecological risk. High non-carcinogenic (&gt; 1) and carcinogenic risks (&gt; 1.00E-04) for children than adults were linked to TE-contaminated soils due to illegal gold mining. Arsenic (34–35%) and Hg (27–28%) were the major contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks, whereas As (80–81%) and Ni (18–19%) contributed more to carcinogenic health risks. It is concluded that Hg, As, and Cd are the most lethal TEs in the study area, requiring immediate remediation. Consequently, awareness creation and regular monitoring should be implemented, coupled with epidemiological studies to ascertain disease conditions from illegal gold mining activities.</p>

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Potentially toxic elements in artisanal gold mine soils: contamination assessment, spatial distribution and associated risks in Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月27日

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  • Alex Amerh Agbeshie,
  • Richard Awuah,
  • Daniel Adusu,
  • Rechiatu Asei,
  • Prince Kwabena Agyapong,
  • Vicentia Amoako,
  • Precious Baryeh,
  • Adisa Zibilila

摘要

Soil contamination from toxic elements (TEs) is a prominent issue threatening environmental sustainability and human health. In this study, we assess the impact of illegal gold mining on TE concentrations, and its ecological and human health risks in Atwima Mponua and Amansie West, two illegal mining hotspot districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A total of thirty-five composite soil samples were collected, air-dried and analysed for TE (Hg, Pb, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn) concentrations. The results revealed that TE concentrations ranked as Ni (2.36 mg kg−1) < Hg (9.33 mg kg−1) < As (12.36 mg kg−1) < Cd (17.02 mg kg−1) < Pb (18.22 mg kg−1) < Zn (452.17 mg kg−1) < Cu (530.79 mg kg−1) < Fe (3574.20 mg kg−1). Except for Pb, As, and Ni, all other TEs examined in the study were higher than the WHO/FAO standards. The enrichment and contamination factors and geoaccumulation index revealed that Hg, As, and Cd were the highest contaminants and posed a substantially higher ecological risk. High non-carcinogenic (> 1) and carcinogenic risks (> 1.00E-04) for children than adults were linked to TE-contaminated soils due to illegal gold mining. Arsenic (34–35%) and Hg (27–28%) were the major contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks, whereas As (80–81%) and Ni (18–19%) contributed more to carcinogenic health risks. It is concluded that Hg, As, and Cd are the most lethal TEs in the study area, requiring immediate remediation. Consequently, awareness creation and regular monitoring should be implemented, coupled with epidemiological studies to ascertain disease conditions from illegal gold mining activities.