Fractional Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Tailings of Itagunmodi Goldmine Site Osun State, Nigeria

The distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn and Fe) in goldmine tailing was determined using multi- step sequential extraction. Chemical properties such as pH, conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, residual humidity and particle size were also analyzed. Similar characteristics distribution patterns were observed for Cd, Cr, Fe and Zn except Cu. The percentage recovery of Ni ranged from 95.25-99.24%. The high Mobility factor and bioaccumulation factor values of soil Ni may be interpreted as symptoms of relatively high liability and biological availability of the metals in soil.