Effects of Mining Industry Operations on Fresh Water Quality in Zamfara State, Nigeria: A Review
Abstract
The Planet Earth is 71% water, but fresh water for our basic survival needs is only 3%. Of this figure, only 0.5% is available for human use; the remaining 2.5% exists in glaciers, ice, and snow. As a result, many people (about 1.1 billion) live in areas where access to fresh water is a pressing issue. The competitive struggle to earn a livelihood amidst unsafe mining practices releases tons of poisonous chemicals from mineral processing, especially gold ore in Zamfara State. These harmful substances are deposited on soil surfaces, drinking water, edible plant leaves, and fruits.The United Nations' World Water Development Report revealed that industrial water consumption accounts for 22% of global fresh water withdrawal but varies between high-and low-income countries; and by 2025, industries will account for 24% of global fresh water withdrawal. Mining industries' waste (both solid and liquid) has been identified as a source of fresh water pollution, releasing toxic heavy metals, organic solvents, sludge, and other harmful elements. In developing countries (Zamfara inclusive), 70% of these wastes are discharge (untreated) into rivers, streams, and land, causing serious reduction in the quality and availability of fresh water for domestic use. This paper aims to review the effects of mining industry operations on fresh water quality in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
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BibTeX
@article{bello2026effects,
title = {{Effects of Mining Industry Operations on Fresh Water Quality in Zamfara State, Nigeria: A Review}},
author = {Lukman Bello and Muhammed Buba Hassan},
journal = {International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development \& Sustainability},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.68086/enbi5929},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05771054v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of Mining Industry Operations on Fresh Water Quality in Zamfara State, Nigeria: A Review
AU - Lukman Bello
AU - Muhammed Buba Hassan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/30
JO - International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development & Sustainability
DO - 10.68086/enbi5929
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05771054v1
AB - The Planet Earth is 71% water, but fresh water for our basic survival needs is only 3%. Of this figure, only 0.5% is available for human use; the remaining 2.5% exists in glaciers, ice, and snow. As a result, many people (about 1.1 billion) live in areas where access to fresh water is a pressing issue. The competitive struggle to earn a livelihood amidst unsafe mining practices releases tons of poisonous chemicals from mineral processing, especially gold ore in Zamfara State. These harmful substances are deposited on soil surfaces, drinking water, edible plant leaves, and fruits.The United Nations' World Water Development Report revealed that industrial water consumption accounts for 22% of global fresh water withdrawal but varies between high-and low-income countries; and by 2025, industries will account for 24% of global fresh water withdrawal. Mining industries' waste (both solid and liquid) has been identified as a source of fresh water pollution, releasing toxic heavy metals, organic solvents, sludge, and other harmful elements. In developing countries (Zamfara inclusive), 70% of these wastes are discharge (untreated) into rivers, streams, and land, causing serious reduction in the quality and availability of fresh water for domestic use. This paper aims to review the effects of mining industry operations on fresh water quality in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
SN - 3156-4461
ER -