Using the mineralogy of river sediments as pollution indicator of clay mining activity

Abstract

View of the difficulty to elect standards for water pollution control in clay mining activity, this study aimed to verify the possibility of using the mineralogy of river sediments as a pollution indicator of clay mining activity. The study was carried out in the Assistência . The mineralogical analysis of fluvial sediments indicated the presence of quartz, montmorillonite, illite and kaolinite in the fraction <53 micrometers. The kaolinite is from the surface soil erosion. However, the illite, predominant clay mineral in the rocks explored by mining, is practically absent in the surface horizon of the Assistência Stream basin. Thus, its presence in the suspended solids transported by Assistência Stream is associated with atmospheric deposition of dust produced during clay mining activities present in this watershed.

Criteria for the implementation of ecological corridors in fragmented areas in southern Brazil

“…Geomorphological studies associate the risk of flooding with river width, declivity and sediment load. According to Mello et al, 2016, the greater the river width, the greater the sediment load. Therefore, if there is flooding in areas where the rivers are wider, there will be greater loss of vegetation through the processes of erosion and sedimentation.…”