... oxidation of sulphides. In the case of pollution by tailings from metalliferous mining, particles of ore minerals in the soils, such as, PbS, ZnS and CuFeS2 become oxidised, releasing metal ... prominent role in nutrient and heavy metal recycling of many aquatic systems (Pip and Stepaniuk, 1992). While sediments form primary sinks for heavy metals, macrophytes may absorb heavy metals ... brought heavy metals from cobalt tailings stockpiled as result of copper mining upstream at Kilembe mines prevented heavy metals from reaching the lake. This in turn prevented heavy metals from...