Evaluation of the behavior and distribution of mercury and associated heavy metals in contaminated soils from an abandoned mercury complex in the Azzaba region (Northeast Algeria)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.352998

Keywords:

mercury district, toxic elements, physicochemical properties, soil, mobility, accumulation

Abstract

This research is about the mercury and toxic metals pollution caused by the mining processes of cinnabar deposits at Ismail abandoned mercury complex in Algeria. This complex has caused many health and environmental problems in Azzaba area. The effect has continued to date with the presence of toxic elements even after almost 20 years since the site closed. Planning for remediation was never considered. However, this study aims to characterize the soil, by mercury and associated metals concentrations and physicochemical parameters. Also, to evaluate the behavior and distribution of toxic elements in samples based on the physicochemical parameters of the environment. The results show that all samples have a high level of toxic metals (Hg, Zn, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, and Sb) with averages in ppm, respectively (1526, 8421, 4372, 238, 134, 389, 124), these concentrations exceed standards, which increase the environmental risks. The statistical results show a correlation between pH–(Zn, Pb, Cr), Ec–(Pb, Cr and Cu), CEC–(Zn, Cu and As), OM–Zn and CaCO3–(Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Sb) indicate that physicochemical parameters can affect the behavior and the mobility of metals. Except for Hg, which behaves in a particular way. In addition, according to ANOVA tests, Hg and As are evenly distributed throughout the study area. Unlike other metals, Pb, Cu and Sb to move to the surrounding soil or accumulate at a distance of 150 m while Zn and Cr accumulate in the upper part of the waste dump. This research investigates how toxic elements disperse or accumulate, make an assumption about their geochemical origin, and analyses their interactions with different soil characteristics. In addition, it contributes to the assessment of environmental risks and provides a relevant scientific support for planning appropriate decontamination and site restoration strategies.

Author Biographies

Rania Sbaghdi, National Higher School of Technology and Engineering

PhD student

Department of Mining Engineering, metallurgy and materials

Laboratory of Mines, Metallurgy and Materials L3M

Abdellali Bouzenzana, Echahid Echeikh Larbi Tebessi University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor

Department of Mines and Geo-technology

Laboratory of Mining

Hani Bouyahmed, Biotechnology Research Centre (CRBt)

Biological Doctor, Leader of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation team

Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring

Abdelfettah Gherib, Biotechnology Research Centre (CRBt)

Biological doctor, Director of Biotechnoly and Environment Research Division

Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring

Samir Chekchaki, Biotechnology Research Centre (CRBt)

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Researcher

Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring

Iness Braham, University of Badji Mokhtar

PhD student

Mining Department

Faculty of Earth Sciences

Laboratory of Mineral Processing and Environment “LAVAMINE”

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Evaluation of the behavior and distribution of mercury and associated heavy metals in contaminated soils from an abandoned mercury complex in the Azzaba region (Northeast Algeria)

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Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Sbaghdi, R., Bouzenzana, A. ., Bouyahmed, H., Gherib, A., Chekchaki, S., & Braham, I. (2026). Evaluation of the behavior and distribution of mercury and associated heavy metals in contaminated soils from an abandoned mercury complex in the Azzaba region (Northeast Algeria). Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 1(3(87), 6–13. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2026.352998

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3(87) (2026): Chemical engineering

Section

Ecology and Environmental Technology

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rania Sbaghdi, Abdellali Bouzenzana, Hani Bouyahmed, Abdelfettah Gherib, Samir Chekchaki, Iness Braham

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