Evaluation of the impact of lithium exploitation at the C57 mine (Gonçalo, Portugal) on water, soil and air quality

Rodrigues, Pedro; Antão, A.M.; Rodrigues, Ricardo

doi:10.1007/s12665-019-8541-4

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The results also suggest that the concentrations of both cations and anions were below the µg/L) were above the long-term reference values of the Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems, but below the values for ecosystem protection and public health for surface water of the Instituto de Água I.P. (Rodrigues et al, 2019). Despite the high concentration of chromium in the water samples, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the waters ranged from 0.2 V to 0.3 V, and the pH ranged from 5 to 6 (Rodrigues et al, 2019).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

“…(Rodrigues et al, 2019). Despite the high concentration of chromium in the water samples, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the waters ranged from 0.2 V to 0.3 V, and the pH ranged from 5 to 6 (Rodrigues et al, 2019). This indicates that the chromium is primarily in its trivalent state, which is not signi cantly hazardous to human health and ecosystems (Fendorf, 1995).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…The C57 mine eld is identi ed by a blue circle. From Rodrigues et al, 2019(Adapted from Farinha Ramos 2007 Figure 3 Location of the water sampling points (WS1 to WS10) and the soil sampling point for the Soxhlet extractor test (SHE). The SNIRH (224/C36) is located 10 km southwest of the mine.…”

Section: Declarationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Laboratory weathering studies to evaluate the water quality impact of a lithium mining in Portugal

Antão,

Rodrigues,

Rodrigues

et al. 2023

Preprint

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In recent decades, the increasing demand for energy and raw materials in modern societies has led to a significant increase in mining exploration. However, this has also sparked the emergence of movements against mining exploration all over the world, particularly in Europe. During the operation of open pit mines, materials are deposited on the surface and subjected to weathering processes. These processes can create an environmental impact by causing the migration of chemical elements from soils to waters. Given the importance of the theme of water and soil contamination nowadays, it is important to verify the potential environmental impact resulting from open pit mine exploration. Laboratory tests were used to simulate weather conditions due to leaching of soils in a lithiniferous feldspar mine located in the centre of Portugal. Soil samples, resulting from the activity of the C57 mine (Guarda, Portugal) were collected and determined its granulometry. Water samples (surface and underground) were also collected in the area to allow a characterization of the existing waters upstream and downstream of the mining operation. To simulate the soil leaching process, the Soxhlet extractor method was utilized, and spectroscopic methods were used to determine the alkali and alkaline earth metals, as well as the transition and post-transition metals. Upon comparison with the results obtained for surface and groundwater, the findings suggest that there are notable concentrations of certain elements in the weathering solution, throughout the 3,000-hour duration of the laboratory test. This indicates that, for certain chemical elements, particularly aluminium and chromium, there may be some adverse effects on water quality.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Laboratory weathering studies to evaluate the water quality impact of a lithium mining in Portugal

Antão,

Rodrigues,

Rodrigues

et al. 2023

Preprint

Self Cite

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“…Regarding socio-economic impacts, the most quoted advantage for a country or region possessing lithium is an increase in income ( Agusdinata et al, 2018;Rodrigues et al, 2019;Carballo-Cruz and Cerejeira 2020). In addition, the creation of jobs and youth employment in different technological and industrial sectors accompanied by an increase in workers' incomes and improvement of the region's development can be expected (Valle and Holmes 2013;Rodrigues et al, 2019). For instance, in Chile, mining activities resulted in an in-flow of a long-distance workforce and encouraged local economic growth ( Liu and Agusdinata 2020).…”

Section: Impactsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Epstein et al (2011) each stage in the life-cycle of a metal (extraction, transport, processing, use, and final waste management) can create negative externalities that may affect health and the environment. In fact, we witness the growing emergence of social/environmental movements against mining, which creates the need to involve and inform all the stakeholders (Rodrigues et al, 2019) to seriously assess the consequences (positive and negative) of extracting lithium.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%