This study evaluates the effectiveness of remediation treatments in the long-term (twenty years later) in one of the largest mine spills in the world, the Aznalcóllar accident. Soil recovery was carried out through the application of different rates of organic (compost and manure) and inorganic amendments (materials rich in iron oxides and calcium carbonate). The different amendment combinations were grouped in four treatments (T1 to T4) and applied in different sectors depending on the soil properties and the degree of initial pollution. To assess the degree of soil recovery, the physicochemical properties, the total, soluble and bioavailable concentrations of the main pollutants (Pb, As, Zn and Cu) were determined over time. The applied treatments increased the pH, CaCO3 and organic carbon of the soils, reduced the EC and decreased the mobility of the pollutants, indicating that remediation treatments were efficient in the recovery of soils contaminated by potentially harmful elements. However, twenty years after the accident, total concentrations of Pb and As still exceed the intervention levels of the current regulations in certain areas. These areas are located in the sectors closest to the mine and where treatments T1 and T2 were applied; in these cases, the dose of organic amendment, materials rich in iron oxides and calcium carbonate were not effective enough, so the application of new treatments is recommended to complete the full recovery of the area.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.