Applied Methodological Approach for the Assessment of Soil Contamination by Trace Elements around Abandoned Coal Mines—A Case Study of the Jerada Coal Mine, Morocco

Previously conducted studies have established that soil contamination by trace elements (TEs) around coal mines affects ecological biodiversity and human health. One of the ways to protect health surrounding population mine sites is through assessment impacts accurate procedures for establishment relevant reclamation plan. The aim study develop an applied methodological approach easily assess quantify impact mining on soils. To achieve this goal, a set geochemical indexes (enrichment factor—EF, background—GB, geoaccumulation index—Igeo) geostatistical interpolation mapping were applied. It experimentally process combining these techniques can be great interest in highlighting anomalous areas revealing sources. A case has been carried out abandoned Jerada site Morocco. Soils waste rocks (CMWR) samples collected from site. Soil CMWR analyzed their content. CMWRs characterized further mineralogical composition environmental behavior. Based EF, three TEs (As, Pb, Zn) targeted. results GB Igeo calculations evident relationship between dump occurred contamination. distribution pattern revealed using obtained maps. developed may high demand when assessing most word.