Assessment of soil heavy metal pollution: a case study of the abandoned mine of Ichmoul, Algeria.

This study aimed to assess and evaluate heavy metal contamination in the soil and sediment surrounding the Ichemoul lead mine northeast of Algeria. Soil and sediment samples were analyzed to determine the pH, particle size, organic matter (OM) content, and heavy metal (HM) concentration. The total HM concentration was determined by digestion in a mixture of strong acids.