An investigation of heavy metal exposure and risks to wildlife in the Kafue flats of Zambia

Exposure and ecological risks to heavy metals (copper, zinc, manganese, iro n) at Lochnivar and Blue Lagoon National Parks in wildlife dependent on the Kafue river contaminated with mining waste was evaluated. Samples included water, fish, grasses and Kafue Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) liver. At bo th parks copper ranged from 0.03-0.04 mg/l; 3.0-6.0 mg/kg; 11.0-44.0 mg/kg; trace -199.0 mg/kg; while zinc was 0.01 mg/l; 32.0-82.0 mg/kg; 15.0-21.0 m g/kg; and 52.0-138.0 mg/kg; in water, fish, grasses and lechwe, respectivel y. Manganese ranges were 0.15-0.16 mg/l; 7.0-18.0 mg/kg; 51.0-145.0 mg/kg; and 40.0-53.0 mg/kg while iron ranges were 0.13-0.14 mg/l; 26.0-134.0 mg/kg ; 1766.0-1797.0 mg/kg; and 131.D-856.0 mg/kg; in water, fish, grasses and l echwe, respectively. Levels in all samples except water were high indicatin g potential for adverse effects.