Isotope geochemistry of waters affected by mining activities in Sierra Minera and Portman Bay (SE, Spain)

García Lorenzo, María De La Luz; Martínez Sánchez, María José; Pérez Sirvent, Carmen; Agudo, Inés; Recio, Clemente

Isotope geochemistry of waters affected by mining activities in Sierra Minera and Portman Bay (SE, Spain)

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Isotope geochemistry of waters.pdf (1.74 MB)

Official URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/applied-geochemistry/vol/51/suppl/C

Publication date

2014

Authors

García Lorenzo, María De La Luz

Martínez Sánchez, María José

Pérez Sirvent, Carmen

Agudo, Inés

Recio, Clemente

Publisher

Elsevier

Citations

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URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/34268

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate processes affecting waters from Portman Bay by way of stable isotopic analysis, particularly H and O stable isotopes from water and S and O from dissolved sulfates. In addition, surface waters from Sierra Minera were examined for the purpose of determining if these waters are affected by similar processes. The results obtained indicate that Portman Bay waters are meteoric, and marine infiltration only takes place in the deepest layers near the shore or if water remains stagnated in sediments with low permeability. The main source of sulfate was the oxidation of sulfides, resulting in the liberation of acid, sulfate and metals. In order to assess the mechanism responsible for sulfide oxidation, the stoichiometric isotope balance model and the general isotope balance model were tested, suggesting that the oxidation via Fe3+ was predominant in the surface, and controlled by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, while at depth, sulfate reduction occurred.