Appraisal of lead (Pb) contamination and potential exposure risk associated with agricultural soils and some cultivated plants in gold mines

Abstract

Highlights pH and CEC influence lead (Pb) concentration in contaminated areas Pb concentration from all the areas is within the EPA 400 mg/kg threshold The concentration of Pb is high at the depth between 0 and 20 cm in all the sites The overall status of all the soil studied is within the safety limit All the maize grown on the cultivated soil from the studied sites are safe for consumption

Keywords

• Biomonitoring
• Lead contamination
• Mining activity
• Remediation