Abstract
The geochemical behavior of zinc, lead and copper from sulfidic tailings in a mine site with potential to generate acidic drainage (pyrite (55%) and sphalerite (2%)) is reported in this paper. The mining area is divided in two zones, considering the topographic location of sampling points with respect to the tailings pile: (a) outer zone, out of the probable influence of acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution, and (b) inner zone, probably influenced by AMD pollution. Maximum total ions concentrations (mg/L) measured in superficial waters found were, in the outer zone: As (0.2), Cd (0.9), Fe (19), Mn (39), Pb (5.02), \(\mbox{SO}_4^{2-} \) (4650), Zn (107.67), and in the inner zone are As (0.1), Cd (0.2), Fe (88), Mn (13), Pb (6), \(\mbox{SO}_{4}^{{2-}} \) (4,880), Zn (46). The presence of these ions that exceeding the permissible maximum limits for human consume, could be associated to tailings mineralogy and acid leachates generated in tailings pile.
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Lizárraga-Mendiola, L., González-Sandoval, M.R., Durán-Domínguez, M.C. et al. Geochemical behavior of heavy metals in a Zn–Pb–Cu mining area in the State of Mexico (central Mexico). Environ Monit Assess 155, 355–372 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0440-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0440-1