Table 6 Calculated potential ecological risk index and toxic response coefficient level.

From: Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in copper mine tailing soils of Kitwe and Mufulira, Zambia, for reclamation prospects

Metals

Ecological risk index (Er) of each HM

Toxic response coefficient

Grades of ecological perils

Cu

38.38

5

Low risk

Co

18.46

5

Low risk

Fe

166.801

1

Low risk

Mn

8.04

1

Low risk

Pb

0.96

5

Low risk

Zn

0.50

1

Low risk