Helping to identify mechanisms of lead pollution in Zambia, and proposing effective antipollution measures.

Metal pollution caused by undergound resource development is one of the most serious environmental pollution issues facing African countries. In the Kabwe district of Zambia in southern Africa, for example, both humans and livestock are exposed to high concentrations of lead. However, the mechanism of lead contamination of people and animals has yet to be identified, and no specific measures have been taken, while the health and economic risks remain unknown. The aim of this project was to ascertain the impact of metal pollution caused by underground resource development in the Kabwe district of Zambia on the ecosystem and the community as a whole, to predict its future course, and to propose measures for risk mitigation.

Although lead does find its way into the bodies of people and animals in what they eat and drink, they obtained scientific data showing that in the Kabwe region it is the lead in dust that is inhaled together with air that increases the concentration of lead in their blood. They also calculated the economic loss due to pollution-related damage and the economic effects of measures to deal with it.

Groundwater sampling survey in the region

Interview survey of local residents about family structure and economic status

They showed that the most cost-effective method of preventing the dispersion of dust was to cover the soil with plants or the like. They submitted this proposal, together with a manual for surveying lead concentration in blood, to Zambian government agencies and the World Bank.

Experimental planting

Livestock blood sample collection

They provided the World Bank project with their data on the blood lead concentrations of local residents obtained during this project. This enabled the World Bank project to prioritize lead poisoning treatment in the areas most severely affected by lead pollution.

Metal pollution due to the development of underground resources is an issue common to many African countries. Their results may be extended to other regions and to countries other than Zambia.
This project finished in FY2022, but they will continue to carry out research in collaboration with the World Bank.

Mines in the Kabwe mining area