Geochemical Characteristics of Soils to the Impact of Diamond Mining in Siberia (Russia)

Abstract

This article presents the results of long-term research and monitoring of the soil cover exposed to the impact of the mining and processing plant developing diamond deposits in the northeast of Siberia. The soil collection includes 436 samples of different types of Cryosols. Soil pH; soil organic carbon (SOC); granulometric composition; and mobile forms of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, and As were identified in the samples. Multivariate statistics of the correlation matrix, clustering analysis (CA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the sources of heavy metals. The intensity of the accumulation of chemical elements in the soil was assessed using calculated concentration coefficients (Kc) and the index of total contamination of the soil cover (Zc). In the study area, Cryosols are characterized by biogenic accumulation of Ni, Mn, and Cd in the upper soil layer and Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, and Cu in the suprapermafrost horizon. Correlation matrix, CA, and PCA revealed three distinct sources that could be considered for the investigated potentially toxic elements (PTEs): anthropogenic, lithogenic, and the source which comes from a mixed contribution of anthropogenic and lithogenic factors. The most anthropogenic contribution in the heavy metals in the study area appears in Zn, Cd, As, and Pb. The assessment interpreted that origin of Mn in the area is most likely to be a natural source. The content of Co, Cr, and Ni are controlled by both lithogenic control and anthropogenic sources. Active accumulation of mobile forms of Mn, Zn, and Ni with anomalously high concentration coefficients can be traced in the soils in the impact zone of mining operations. Anthropogenic soil contamination is spread over an area of 260 km2.

An Assessment of the Impact of the Mining Industry on Soil and Plant Contamination by Potentially Toxic Elements in Boreal Forests

“…Therefore, high concentrations of these elements are explained by the second entry into the surface layer of soil in the form of re-suspended dust of soil material as a result of aerogenic spread from drilling and blasting, wind erosion of dumps, etc., as well as the influence of anthropogenic and industrial activities on the territory of the industrial site of the Udachny MPD. The studies conducted by Rodriguez Martín et al [65] and Gololobova [66] also revealed a high correlation between these elements. The Cd-Zn association suggests that these elements may come from similar sources.…”

Calcium Oxalates in Soils within Disturbed Landscapes and Rock on the Territory of Yakutia (Russia), Formation Conditions in a Sharply Continental Cryoarid Climate

“…It is possible that an underground landfill and a tailings dump could indirectly affect the state of the vegetation of the territory and contribute to the formation of oxalate, since highly mineralized waters possess a calcium chloride composition; their release could trigger excessive accumulation of calcium in lichens. Results of the study of the formation conditions of calcium oxalates on the territory of the Daldyn kimberlite field revealed that calcium oxalates synthesize lichens, therefore demonstrating a protective reaction due to changes in the micro-and macronutrient composition of natural soils [61]. Lichens change the shape of the growth of thalli and accumulation of a high number of oxalates, which also according to [11] occurs during granulation of the thallus; in this case, the podecia covered with granules show a higher capacity for the accumulation of heavy metals.…”

Recent Progress on Ex Situ Remediation Technology and Resource Utilization for Heavy Metal Contaminated Sediment

“…With rapid industrialization, various anthropogenic activities (e.g., treated and recycled minerals, product manufacturing, burning fuels (particularly coal) and developing new oil fields, modern agricultural practices, and waste disposals contribute to the release of heavy metals [ 2 ]. Once metals (such as Hg, Cd and Pb) enter into the atmosphere, they can be transported over long distances by air currents, leading to the dramatic increase of heavy metal content in remote areas [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. In addition, through drainage, atmospheric bulk deposition, and soil erosion, heavy metals are prone to enter into water bodies and disturb the aquatic ecosystem [ 7 ].…”