The concentrations and loadings of major and trace elements in coal mine drainage (CMD) from 49 abandoned mines located in the coal fields of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina were determined. The CMD sites typically displayed a wide spatial and temporal variability in physical and geochemical conditions. The results of our CMD analyses in Santa Catarina State were used to illustrate that the geochemical processes in the rock piles can be deduced from multiple data sets. The observed relationship between the pH and constituent concentrations were attributed to (1) dilution of acidic water by near-neutral or alkaline groundwater and (2) solubility control of Al, Fe, Mn, Ba and Sr by hydroxide, sulfate, and/or carbonate minerals. The preliminary results of the CMD analyses and environmental health in the Santa Catarina region, Brazil, are discussed.

The geochemical characteristics of coal cleaning rejects (CCR) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, were investigated. Around 3.5 million ton/year of coal waste are dumped in Santa Catarina State. Coal beneficiation by froth flotation results in large amounts of CCR composed of coaly and mineral matter, the latter characterised by the occurrence of sulphide minerals and a broad array of leachable elements. The total and leachable contents of more than 60 elements were analysed. Atmospheric exposure promotes sulphide oxidation that releases substantial sulphate loads as well as Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Cl- and Al3+. The metals with the most severe discharges were Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Cd. Most trace pollutants in the CCR displayed a marked pH-dependent solubility, being immobile in near-neutral samples. The results highlight the complex interactions among mineral matter solubility, pH and the leaching of potentially hazardous elements.