Up until 1994, Kabwe, Zambia, was home to a productive lead, zinc and cadmium mining operation.  Lax environmental regulations have led to widespread heavy-metal contamination in the soils.  For example, lead concentrations range from 27 to 328 ppm in the area.  We have initiated a  collaboration with Dr. Alice Mweetwa and the University of Zambia to investigate the extent of heavy-metal contamination and identify potential bioremediation methods.  In the present study, we report the lead uptake by brassica and sunflower plants treated with varying concentrations of aqueous lead solutions as determined by Flame Atomic Absorption analysis.  We use the results of the study to make recommendations for cost efficient bioremediation techniques for lead removal from soils in Kabwe.

Heavy-metal pollution and bioremediation of lead contaminated soils and vegetation

247th National Meeting (2014)

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