Browsing by Author "Kwariko, Athumani Mahmoud"

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    Assessment of acid mine drainage and heavy metal contamination from mine waste at Saza and Ntumbi Gold Mine working in the Lupa Goldfield, Chunya District
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2006) Kwariko, Athumani Mahmoud
    The purpose of this stud) was to assess acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal contamination (Hg, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr) from old mine waste at Saza and Ntumbi Gold Mines m the Lupa Goldfield, Chunya District. The concentrations of Hg, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr were detem1ined in water, stream sediments, soils, and tailings in order to assess their environmental levels. Copper, lead, zinc, iron, and chromium were analyzed by Air-Acetylene Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Mercury was analyzed by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption (CVAA), whereas water sulphate concentration was analysed by UV/Visible Spectrophotometer. The relatively elevated sulphate concentrations in Saza and Ntumbi suggested that AMD production is taking place, even though at low levels, but is easily neutralized by the buffering capacity) of surrounding environment, and mixing with surface and ground water. In case, the buffering capacity of the environment is eventually oven\ helmed by the Al\1D production in the tailings, then it is likely that AMD will be a problem in the study sites/areas in the future. The results of metal concentrations from sampled media showed the following trend: metal concentrations in soils 'tailings > metal concentrations in sediments > metal concentrations in water >As remedial measures, control of acid generation and migration in the areas could be achieved by applying measures that prevent or inhibit oxidation such as placement of a cover in all acid generating materials including rock wastes and tailings and air sealing in all abandoned mine pits, construction of embankments around the tailings to check erosion and transport of materials to water bodies.