Authors
Alassane Diallo, Amani Antoine, Alphonse Kouakou Yao, Said El Hasnaoui, Nandjui Jacob, Abdelaziz Smouni, Mouna Fahr
Published in
Environmental toxicology and chemistry. Oct 28, 2025. Epub Oct 28, 2025.
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) generates significant environmental and public health concerns through potential toxic elements (PTEs). In this context, the present study aims to (i) assess soil contamination by PTEs in three artisanal gold mining areas in Kokumbo, namely a gold washing area (zone A), an abandoned ASGM (zone B), and an active ASGM (zone C), and (ii) to analyze the PTEs accumulation potential by native plant species in these areas and to suggest phytoremediation strategy. Twelve native plant species and their rhizospheric soil were collected and analyzed. The content of PTEs was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study showed that rhizospheric soil in zone A was substantially more contaminated, particularly with Mn (1444.6 mg/kg dry wt) and Cr (379.1 mg/kg dry wt). Various pollution indexes indicate As and V as the most polluted of the three zones. This contamination is of anthropogenic origin according to the enrichment factor. Among the plant species studied, D. horizontalis showed a notable ability for Cr translocation. I. hirsuta exhibited significant potential for the phytoextraction of Cu, and Mn. T. procumbens showed promise for potential for As phytoextraction, but it also shares with C. hirtus, P. ruderale, and C. odorata, a remarkable potential for translocation of As, and Cu. These species are crucial in addressing soil contamination caused by PTEs, thereby preserving biodiversity and health.
PMID:
41148045
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 28 Oct 2025.
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