Lead remediation techniques – Lessons for sustainable remediation of lead-contaminated sites in Zambia’s mining towns

Abstract

Lead (Pb) contamination is a major problem worldwide. Studies have shown that lead pollution in Kabwe, one of the ten most polluted cities in the world, is the result of anthropogenic activities. These activities are mining, smelting, and the disposal of mine tailings from the closed lead-zinc mine. As in most countries adversely affected by lead contamination, Zambia is actively implementing remediation efforts to mitigate the negative consequences of Pb contamination on human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Heavy metals tend to accumulate in the environment, as they are not biodegradable, necessitating remediation. Critical analysis of the current literature review shows numerous remediation techniques, each with advantages and disadvantages. Highly efficient remediation strategies often combine two or more remediation techniques, which are improved and optimized over time. In addition, modern remediation techniques utilize environmentally sustainable genetic resources of living organisms, including microbes such as bacteria and fungi and plants that are tolerant or resistant to heavy metals. Bioremediation has unique advantages over other remediation techniques, making it sustainable for tackling lead contamination in Zambia. Pb toxicity's public health, environmental, and economic costs are too great to allow the status quo to continue.

Keywords

• bioremediation
• heavy metals
• lead contamination
• integrated remediation
• microbial remediation
• kabwe