IMPACT OF GOLD MINING ON VEGETATION AND SOIL IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA.

This paper describes the current status of vegetation and determines the trace element concentration, of plant species and soil in the Ilesa goldfields of Southwestern Nigeria. The results show that there is a drastic reduction in the vegetal cover in the area as a result of mining activities. There is also an appreciable level of contamination of soil and plant species of the mined sites compared with unmined areas. For instance, the Pb content in cassava and oil palm grown on the mined sites are much higher than the FAO/WHO guideline. The results of this study underscore the need for close monitoring of mining operations in Southwestern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]