Evaluation of the impact of mine activity on surrounding soils of Draa Lasfar mine in Marrakech- Morocco

Abstract

The present study represents a first insight into the Draa Lasfar mine (Marrakech - Morocco) to assess the degree of polymetallic pollution caused by anthropogenic activities (like mine extn.) and consequently the possible diffusion of heavy metals and to predict the risk of their mobility in the surroundings of the mine area. The edaphol. parameters pH and elec. cond. (EC) were measured according to std. methods, while heavy metals concn. was at. absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Contamination factors (CF) and pollution index (IP) were calcd. in order to est. the anthropogenic contribution of target pollutants detg. Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn as the main pollutants in this region. The results showed the polluted areas at the vicinity of the mine, esp. two rural communities (Ouled Bou Aicha and Tazakourte) of about 5790 ha, probably linked to increasing mine activities and the lack of appropriate measures to counteract its effects causing a progressive pollution of water and soil with heavy metal emissions in this studied region. [on SciFinder(R)]