Assessment of metallic trace elements contamination in a mining area of the processing of Djebel Onk phosphate ore (Algeria)

Research relevance. Phosphate mining activities are one of the main sources contamination by heavy metals since they harmfully affect soil and lead to degradation ecosphere. aim. This study aims at characterizing evaluating metallic soils in vicinity Djebel Onk mine town Bir El Ater (Wilaya Tébessa) eastern Algeria, particularly focusing on estimating spatial variability this extent contaminated area. Methodology. The physicochemical characteristic (pH) was determined pH-meter, whereas AAS used for determination (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd) examined results. results reveal that close site studied even those far away heavily with — (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) cadmium (Cd); also point out a high concentrations not only between sampling sites but within same site. analysed pollution index is generally sampled downstream more than 30 km from site, it extremely surface tailings slopes, underlining fact considered perennial metal their current state. Conclusion. unhealthy area affected very large as result dispersion, wind water transport, residual pollutants wastes abandoned Remediation measures must be put into place immobilize limit spread environment Keywords: Soil contamination, metals, phosphate mine, index.