An Assessment of the Environmental Impact, Risk Challenges and Mitigation Strategies in Ameka Illegal Mine Sites and Environs in Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the environmental impact of illegal mining and their associated risks in Ameka illegal mining sites and environs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The approach to the study involved direct personal observations, oral interviews and laboratory analyses of water and soil samples obtained from the mapped areas around the vicinity of the mining sites. Soil and water samples around non-mining sites were obtained to serve as control. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) was used to quantify the levels of pH and heavy metal contaminations of the water and soil samples. Digital camera was used to capture scenes at some mining sites. The laboratory results show that lead concentrations and pH in water samples in the areas are outside the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit for domestic water use. The heavy metal concentration and pH in the soils in the mapped area fall within the recommended tolerable limit set by WHO but clearly higher than that of the control. Mining activities were executed without recourse to the existing regulations. The results exposed the level of soil and water contamination in the mining areas and the resulting biophysical, health, and socio-economic consequences. This could motivate the host community to take proactive measures to curtail the risks.