Environmental impact of metals derived from mining activities: Processes, predictions, prevention

Salomons, W.

doi:10.1016/0375-6742(94)00039-e

Cited by 469 publications

(265 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…It is hoped that the results will serve as a reference for similar studies in other countries where sulphuric acid has been produced from pyrite (Kawatra et al, 2002;Pérez-López et al, 2009;Rico et al, 2008a and2008b;Zeilinski et al, 2010). Given the extent of production of roasted sulphides and the limited literature available on their potential impact on the environment, the information presented in this paper (especially with regard to nanoparticles) may be of value in designing remediation strategies for roasted pyrite ash storage systems distributed around the world (Gupta et al, 1996;Kawatra et al, 2002;Lin and Qvarfort, 1996;Pérez-López et al, 2009;Salomons, 1995;Zouboulis et al, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Chemical composition and minerals in pyrite ash of an abandoned sulphuric acid production plant

Oliveira

Ward

Izquierdo

et al. 2012

Science of The Total Environment

162

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The extraction of sulphur produces a hematite-rich waste, known as roasted pyrite ash, which contains significant amounts of environmentally sensitive elements in variable concentrations and modes of occurrence. Whilst the mineralogy of roasted pyrite ash associated with iron or copper mining has been studied, as this is the main source of sulphur worldwide, the mineralogy, and more importantly, the characterization of nanoparticles, in coal-derived roasted pyrite ash remain to be resolved. In this work we provide essential data on the chemical composition and nanomineralogical assemblage of roasted pyrite ash. XRD, HR-TEM and FE-SEM were used to identify a large variety of minerals of anthropogenic origin. These phases result from highly complex chemical reactions occurring during the processing of coal pyrite of southern Brazil for sulphur extraction and further manufacture of sulphuric acid. Iron-rich nanoparticles within the ash may contain high proportions of toxic elements such as As, 2 Se, U, among others. A number of elements, such as As, Cr, Cu, Co, La, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, Zn, and Zr, were found to be present in individual nanoparticles and nanominerals (e.g. oxides, sulphates, clays) in concentrations up to 5%. The study of nanominerals in roasted pyrite ash from coal rejects is important to develop an understanding on the nature of this by-product, and to assess the interaction between emitted nanominerals, ultra-fine particles, and atmospheric gases, rain or body fluids, and thus to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of pyrite ash materials.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Chemical composition and minerals in pyrite ash of an abandoned sulphuric acid production plant

Oliveira

Ward

Izquierdo

et al. 2012

Science of The Total Environment

162

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“…From this plot, it is obvious that low pH is necessary for significant high metal load to occur through sulphide oxidation. Most trace metals are amphoteric and tend to dissolve forming cations at low pH, or anions at high pH (Salomons 1995), than at the near neutral pH (5.5-6.7) condition of the study area whereby the transport of most suspended and dissolved trace metals is expected to be attenuated (Cravotta 2000). Thus, the neutral pH of the streamwater accounts for the low dissolution of trace metals.…”

Section: Sources and Geochemical Behaviour Of Trace Metals In Streamwmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hence, despite the past and active small scale mining operations within this area, acid generation remains low and this accounts for the low concentrations of dissolved trace metals. On the other hand, there is also a possibility that the acid generated from suphide weathering may have been consumed through reactions with silicate minerals (long-term buffering capacity) occurring in the parent rocks (Salomons 1995). In summary, the rate of acid generation is usually determined by chemical factors such as pH, temperature, gaseous and aqueous oxygen concentrations, chemical activity of ferric iron and the surface area of exposed metal sulphides as well as biologic parameters.…”

Section: Sources and Geochemical Behaviour Of Trace Metals In Streamwmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal Hydrological Inputs of Major Ions and Trace Metal Composition in Streams Draining the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: Basis for Environmental Studies

et al. 2017

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Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the seasonal variation in major ion distribution patterns and identify the origin and geochemical behavior of some trace metals of streamwaters bathing the mineralized Lom Basin. Methods Eighty-one water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons and analyzed for major ions using AAS and 12 trace metals (Fe, Mn, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Hg) by ICP-MS. Results All physicochemical parameters besides pH and Cl -varied narrowly between both seasons. No seasonal variability was observed for Cl -given its conservative nature, while NO 3 -levels decreased in the wet period due to the dilution effect. Similarly, SO 4 2-concentrations were low for both seasons reflecting the dissolution of low sulphide minerals associated with gold deposits. In contrast, the concentration of Ca 2? , Mg 2? , Na ? , K ? and HCO 3 -slightly increased during the wet season as they are flushed from the soil layers by rain. Water samples had very low concentrations (\ 1 lg/l) of V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and significant concentrations of Fe and Mn.Conclusions The seasonal regime of streamwater chemistry is controlled by groundwater supply of major cations and HCO 3 -from chemical weathering, leaching of ions from surface soil layers during precipitation and dilution of nitrate by surface runoff during the wet season. In this tropical basin, low acidity and trace metal loadings revealed lateritic weathering of sulphides, entrapment of trace metals in Fe and Mn oxides and leaching into deep groundwater. Although the streams have not been impacted, these findings may guide policymakers for water chemistry evaluation in Cameroon.

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“…Human exposure to mercury intoxication through the ingestion of mercury contaminated fish has been well studied (Review: Harada 1995). The Brazilian population, particularly in the Amazon region, is now under scrutiny due to the confirmation of predictions (Salomons 1995) about fish contamination. Screening studies to evaluate the risk exposure of the population of Tapajós River Basin and Madeira River Basin analyzing carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish most consumed species by local population were done (SanCorrespondence to: Allegra V. Yallouz E-mail: ayallouz@cetem.gov.br *Presented at XXII RESEM (2000).…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%

Semiquantitative mercury determination in fish: a tool for poisoning prevention

Yallouz

Calixto

Hacon

2002

An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc.

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Human exposure to mercury intoxication through contaminated fish ingestion has been well studied, mainly among Japanese population. The Brazilian population, particulaly in the Amazon region, is now in focus due to findings of fish contamination. Major health impacts caused by mercury affect mostly people who have a regular fish diet. A continuous checking for mercury content in the most consumed fish could prevent human intoxication. A simple, non-instrumental method to allow a continuous checking of the mercury content in fish was developed. Based on this method, we are proposing a prevention action where community agents can be trained to perform fish analysis. Technical Schools and Universities located nearby the affected areas would be in charge of quality control programs for the fish analysis as well as for the selection, training and update for operators.

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Environmental impact of metals derived from mining activities: Processes, predictions, prevention

Cited by 469 publications

References 19 publications

Chemical composition and minerals in pyrite ash of an abandoned sulphuric acid production plant

Chemical composition and minerals in pyrite ash of an abandoned sulphuric acid production plant

Seasonal Hydrological Inputs of Major Ions and Trace Metal Composition in Streams Draining the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: Basis for Environmental Studies

Semiquantitative mercury determination in fish: a tool for poisoning prevention

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