3D Spatial Distribution of Arsenic in an Abandoned Mining Area: A Combined Geophysical and Geochemical Approach

Minerals

Jesús Ruiz-Roso¹  Pedro Castiñeiras¹  Elena Crespo-Feo¹  MariLuz García-Lorenzo¹  Alfonso Muñoz-Martín² 

[1] Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, “Geochemistry: Exploration and Environment” UCM Research Group. Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, “Tectonofísica Aplicada” UCM Research group. Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;

关键词: arsenic;    soil contamination;    geochemical characterization;    electromagnetic conductivity;    electrical resistivity tomography;    risk assessment;   

DOI  :  10.3390/min10121130

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abandoned mine wastes, containing high sulfide contents, are of particular concern because of the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD), becoming an active and harmful point source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to the environment. A detailed evaluation of the chemical and mineralogical composition of mining wastes is necessary to determine effective remediation actions. Due to the high amount of generated wastes as a result of mining and processing activities, the cost and time consumed for this characterization are limiting. Hence, efficient tools could be applied to predict the composition of these wastes and their spatial distribution. This study aims to determine the physico-chemical characterization of wastes from mining activities using geochemical and geophysical techniques. The obtained results, both geochemical and geophysical, allow us to locate areas with a high potential risk of contamination by As in an economic and simple way, and enable us to design detailed geochemical sampling campaigns. In addition, the fact that there are conductive fractures in depth suggests the possible circulation of contaminants through them as well as the preferential lines of circulation.

【 授权许可】

Unknown