Potential of spinach for phytoremediation of soils collected from Kette Batouri Goldmines, Cameroon

The mining sector in sub-Saharan Africa is one of the main sources of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) that enter the water, air and soil environment. PHEs from existing and abandoned mines impact negatively on ecosystems,... [ view full abstract ]

The mining sector in sub-Saharan Africa is one of the main sources of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) that enter the water, air and soil environment. PHEs from existing and abandoned mines impact negatively on ecosystems, and may enter the food chain, posing nutritional health challenges to humans and animals, and possibly death. Crops have different nutrient absorptive capacities; and depending on available elements in the soil, they accumulate different amounts in their various tissues. Our study assessed the concentrations, toxicity potential and phytoavailability of PHEs in two different soil samples collected from Kette Goldmines at Batouri in the Eastern Region of Cameroon using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thereafter, the soil samples were mixed with different proportions (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of potting soil to reduce the levels of the PHEs, and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) grown to determine its tolerance to, and bioaccumulation potential for, the PHEs identified. More than 60 elements were quantified in both soil samples with iron (31499-33964 mg/kg) and aluminium (6701- 6815 mg/kg) being the most abundant. Analysis of spinach samples is on-going using ICP-MS to ascertain bioaccumulation factors, pollution indices and other growth parameters. Overall, our findings will provide an essential science-based information on phytotechnology that can be crafted into tools to educate farmers and indigenous people within the vicinity of mine sites. Such knowledge will guide their choice of appropriate methods that will ensure reclamation and restoration of soil health for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Ecosystem, PHEs, Pollution, Phytoremediation, Spinacia oleracea