The impact of effluents containing zinc and nickel metals on stream and river water bodies: The case of Chambishi and Mwambashi streams in Zambia

Effluent from mining operations is a danger to species in the environment especially those dependent on streams and rivers. A study was conducted in Chambishi and Mwambashi Streams in Chambishi District in Zambia with an aim of establishing the impacts of zinc and nickel on the ecosystem. Samples were collected at four points at distances of 0, 1250, 2500, 3500 and 4000 m along the streams and analysed for zinc and nickel using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The impacts on receiving environment were recorded. The analysis showed high level of zinc and nickel in water and sediment soils particularly at the discharge point where the values were found to be 0.18 mg/L of zinc and 0.73 mg/L of nickel in surface water and 0.83 mg/L of zinc and 1.36 mg/L of nickel in sediment. The impacts were found to be high upstream and low downstream of the discharge points.