Impacts of limestone mining activities on river Atrukuku Tororo district

Abstract

Mining is carried out by open cast method of mining which is taking place at both large scale and small scale levels. The limestone mined is used chiefly for the manufacturing of cement, lime and edible lime etc. Scientific studies revealed that loss of forest cover, pollution of water, soil and air, depletion of natural flora and fauna, reduction in biodiversity, erosion of soil, instability of soil and rock masses, changes in landscape and degradation of agriculture land are some of the conspicuous environmental implications of limestone mining. The results show that there is drastic deterioration in the quality of soil as a result of mining activities. There was increase in total porosity and decrease in bulk density of the soil as you move away from the mining site. The soil pH changed greatly from 5.90 in the control site to 8.20 in highly polluted soils. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorus decreased with increase in dust particulate from the mining sites. Except for Ca2+ and Mg2+ that decreased with distance from the mining site, Na+ and K+ increased slightly. The availability of the extractable micronutrients (Fe2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) increased as the soil acidity increased, though Cu2+ availability dropped slightly at control site. Based on overall impact of limestone mining in the area it is suggested that all stakeholders particularly the owners of mines and cement plants should give necessary attention to environmental issues prevailing in the area. Initiatives for proper management of natural resources such as water, soil and forest should be taken to halt further loss of forest cover and top soil and to prevent deterioration of water quality, soil degradation, air and noise pollution