Mobility of Heavy Metals associated with the Natural Weathering of Coal Spoils: A case Study of Okaba Coal Mine, Kogi State Nigeria

Authors

  • Edmund Okorie Chemistry Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah P.M.B. 1037, Idah, Kogi State Nigeria. Author
  • Anthonia Chidinma Achusim Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah P.M.B. 1037, Idah, Kogi State Nigeria. Author

Keywords:

Mobility, Heavy metals, Coal spoils, Speciation, Weathering

Abstract

The mobility of heavy metals associated with natural weathering of coal spoils in three different mining sites was investigated using sequential extraction procedure and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric detection. Results of this analysis indicated that the heavy metals under study (Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni) had concentration range from 0-29.623 μg/g (Pb) for Ogbo Systec mining site, 0-4.219 μg/g (Enejoh mining site) and 0-0.925 μg/g (Alhaji mining site). Ogbo Systec mining site showed a very high lead (Pb) value above EPA guideline than Enejoh and Alhaji mining site. Cd, Cu and Ni were all below the EPA value guideline. Copper in all the samples are highly mobile in the exchangeable phase and therefore available for bioaccumulation. Cd and Ni occurrence was attributed to their natural occurrence in the soil. The result of contamination factor for Pb in Ogbo Systec mining site indicates a moderate concentrate with contamination factor value of 2.01. The Pb contamination factor for Enejoh Alhaji mining sites together with Cd, Cu and Ni showed a low contamination values of >1. The geo-accumulation index analysis at the three mining sites was categorized as unpolluted to moderately polluted for Pb, Cd, and Cu. Ni was categorized as unpolluted.

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References

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Published

2025-04-01

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How to Cite

Okorie, E., & Achusim, A. C. (2025). Mobility of Heavy Metals associated with the Natural Weathering of Coal Spoils: A case Study of Okaba Coal Mine, Kogi State Nigeria. International Journal Of Research And Technopreneurial Innovations, 2(1), 127-134. https://ijrti.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/65

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