Contaminant Mobilization from Anthropogenic Influences in the Techatticup Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Sims, Douglas B.

doi:10.1080/15320383.2010.486051

Cited by 11 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Sandy-gravels with fine particles ranging between 2 mm and 4 mm mix with larger gravels and cobbles are found within wash streams (Sims and Bottenberg 2007, Sims 2010, Sims and Francis 2010. Throughout the washes are pockets of silty-fine grained tailings found in wash bends and meanders.…”

Section: Environmental Settingmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Groundwater can only flow from west to east along geological orientations of ridges and mountains, and, because the area is composed of small valleys and mountains, the principal groundwater system has little or no influence on the area of investigation. Soils in the area are composed of fine aeolian silts at the surface and range in depth between 1 and 10 cm (Sims 2010). Wind blown materials are covered by stage two desert pavement situated on alluvium fans with exposed soils on the sides of small hills (Bell andSmith 1980, Longwell et al 1965).…”

Section: Environmental Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies have used sediment records when monitoring regional and global depositional processes and to plot sediment dispersion on a local scale (e.g., Macklin et al 1997, Graney and Eriksen 2004, Sims 2010. Other authors have shown that anthropogenic process associated with historic mining can mobilize elements that would not otherwise be mobile (Chow 1970, Page and Ganje 1970, Zhang and Shan 2008.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Sims

Francis²,

Lee³

2012

Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science

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Section: Environmental Settingmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Environmental Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Sims

Francis²,

Lee³

2012

Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science

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“…As, Se), and anthropogenic chemicals (e.g. CN -, Hg) into sediments that can be mobilized beyond a small, localized area, and into the surrounding environments (Purves, 1985;Sims, 2010Sims, , 2011Miranda-Aviles et al, 2012;Sims et al, 2013). These contaminates have been the focus of interest due to their long residence time in the environment and can be toxic to biota (Khalid et al, 1981;Frignana & Bellucci, 2004;Hutchinson & Ellison, 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mining Activities and Associated Environmental Impacts in Arid Climates: A Literature Review

Sims¹,

Hooda²,

Gillmore³

2013

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Mining operations have released measurable levels of geogenic trace metals (e.g. Cd, Cr, Pb), metalloids (e.g. As, Se), and anthropogenic chemicals (e.g. CN -, Hg) into surrounding sediments. Abandoned mining sites in hyperarid climates has not been the focus of much research compared to wet and temperate areas. Research has focused on historical mining sites in semiarid and wetter regions in the United States, south pacific and Europe. Those areas have obvious risks associated with them including aqueous phase mobilization as a result of abundant precipitation. However, many mining areas in the American Southwest and aboard are located in hyperarid regions and viewed as not having a potential for mobilization of contaminants. Seasonal storm events can mobilize sediments containing contaminates beyond a small, localized area and into the wider environment. Literature indicates that arid and hyperarid mining regions have not been studied as extensively as those in wetter climates.

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“…Unlike temperate or non-dry climates, abandoned mining sites in hyperarid environments have not received much attention in terms of assessing environmental threats they pose or the potential for increased risk, possibly mediated by climate change (Hughes & Diaz, 2008;Sims, 2010). In the Mojave Desert, climate is relatively stable and predictable however, global climate conditions can foment change to terrestrial environments from temporary environmental shifts such as the El Nino Southern Oscillations (ENSO) or more dramatic shifts caused by climate change (Holmgren et al, 2001;Dillon & Rundel, 1990;Rodriguez et al, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential Effects of Environmental Change on Mining Wastes in a Hyperarid Climate

Sims¹,

Hooda²,

Gillmore³

2012

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Three desert washes were sampled to evaluate the transport of contaminated sediments from abandoned mining sites to downwash environments. The area of concern is an extreme arid climate considered stable and not to pose pathways for contaminated sediments to impact downwash environments. Research of mine wastes in Nelson, Nevada has shown that residual geogenic and anthropogenic trace elements have been mobilized in surface sediments as a result of storm event. Cyanide and trace elements, especially mercury and lead, have transported to 6000 m downwash from source areas. Short term environmental impacts appear to be minimal because of present-day environmental conditions. However, climate shifts caused by the El Nino Southern Oscillations or even a dramatic climate shift might increase regional precipitation promoting a more rapid erosion of contaminated sediment. Currently, wash sediments do not contain levels of CN -or trace elements that pose threats to the environment; however, if erosion and transport of mining waste increased because of additional precipitation, then CN -and trace elements loading in storm water would increase, with their possibly delivery to Lake Mohave.

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Contaminant Mobilization from Anthropogenic Influences in the Techatticup Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Cited by 11 publications

References 25 publications

Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Mining Activities and Associated Environmental Impacts in Arid Climates: A Literature Review

Potential Effects of Environmental Change on Mining Wastes in a Hyperarid Climate

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