Assessment of heavy metal soil contamination in the Kabecha district of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, five years after the relocation of the CHEMAF-USOKE copper processing plant.

Nathan MPIANA KIBWELA; Thierry MUSANDA MUKENZ; Naomie Sifa N'kulu Mwenze; Jean Marc Madhiano Rwema; Grace Ngolu Nyalosaso

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.60433

Assessment of heavy metal soil contamination in the Kabecha district of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, five years after the relocation of the CHEMAF-USOKE copper processing plant.

Author(s)	M. Nathan MPIANA KIBWELA, Professeur Dr. Thierry MUSANDA MUKENZ, MS. Naomie Sifa N'kulu Mwenze, M. Jean Marc Madhiano Rwema, MS. Grace Ngolu Nyalosaso
Country	Congo (Democratic)
Abstract	The study evaluates soil contamination by trace-metal elements in the Kabecha district, located near the former CHEMAF-USOKE metallurgical plant in Lubumbashi. Its primary objective is to assess the current level of pollution in the area. Soil samples were collected from four streets surrounding the former industrial site. Analyses conducted using ICP-OES revealed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, often exceeding the guidelines set by the European Union and the World Health Organization—particularly in soils near Congo Kiwele Avenue. A comparative analysis with data from 2012 (prior to the relocation of CHEMAF) shows a significant reduction in trace metal concentrations. On average, levels have decreased by 30 to 50%, suggesting the onset of a natural decline in pollution. Furthermore, the cross-sectional investigation highlights a spatial gradient in contamination: heavy metal concentrations diminish progressively with increasing distance from the former industrial site. This pattern confirms the environmental dispersion of contaminants.
Keywords	Trace metal elements, Heavy metal pollution, Soil contamination, Post-industrial pollution, Spatial distribution, Mining impact
Field	Autre
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-14
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.60433

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Assessment of heavy metal soil contamination in the Kabecha district of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, five years after the relocation of the CHEMAF-USOKE copper processing plant.

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