A water quality assessment and environmental impact analysis of the local mining along the Zambezi River in Tete, Mozambique
Abstract: The access to safe and clean drinking water is a major concern throughout the world. The recent discovery of coal and gas in Mozambique has increased the economic growth lately and large international companies have been attracted to Tete province in central Mozambique. Coal mining is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous forms of natural resource extraction for human health and the environment. This study is a water quality assessment in tributaries to Zambezi river in Tete which are used for extraction of drinking water. These tributaries are not only a location for coal mines but also for small-scale gold mining. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the water quality of the Zambezi River basin and the tributaries through observations, chemical analyzes and measured field parameters. Thus, increase the understanding of the effects mining in the area have on the water quality. Fieldwork was performed during one week in April, including collection of water samples and measurements of field parameters. The water samples were later analyzed for ions and metals. The coal mining in the area have negative impact on the groundwater and surface water quality with increased levels of metals and ions (Mg, Ca, Fe, Cl etc.) in the riparian area. The results from the chemical analysis show that the water quality in the Zambezi river basin is not always safe for human consumption.
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