Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution of Agricultural Soil, Irrigation Water, and Vegetables in and Nearby the Cupriferous City of Lubumbashi, (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Lubumbashi (DR Congo)—the capital of copper mining—has been considered as one the richest mining regions world for more than a decade. These riches have brought along multiple companies responsible soil, river water and vegetable pollution, in many African cities. The aim present study was to quantify evaluate pollution levels potential sources irrigation contamination by metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Co Zn urban gardens Congo). contamination, enrichment were determined based on different indices order rank soils. results show that soils, waters vegetables represent serious concern human health. All soils presented ranging from low (72% soils) very high (3.4% metal (copper, lead, zinc) contamination. Cu Cd contents varied between 1355 mg/kg et 236 mg/kg, much higher World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds (100 2 Cd). Moreover, used crop garden Pb (57% waters), Fe (52%), (19%) (10%) levels, above Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) U4441 toxicity (2 Cu; 0.1 0.01 Pb) irrigation. Finally, produced these sold local markets had content (47% contained 100% cobalt) WHO standard (10 1 Co) consumption. In face issues, it would be preferable consider cheaper, sustainable techniques reduce soil-to-plant transfer.