RT Journal Article
T1 Categorization of Mining Materials for Restoration Projects by Means of Pollution Indices and Bioassays
A1 Ferri Moreno, Inmaculada
A1 Barquero Peralbo, Jose Ignacio
A1 Andreu Sánchez, Óscar
A1 Higueras, Pablo
A1 Roca Pérez, Luis
A1 García Lorenzo, Mari Luz
A1 Esbrí Victor, José María
AB Sulfide mining wastes may lead to severe environmental and human health risks. This study aims to use geochemical and ecotoxicological indicators for the assessment of the ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the San Quintín mining group to categorize wastes prior to mining restoration. Ecotoxicity was evaluated using crustacean (Dahpnia magna, Thamnocephalus platyurus) and algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata) bioassays. The geochemical and mineralogical results suggested that the mining residues underwent intense weathering processes, with active processes of acidity generation and metal mobility. Total PTEs concentrations indicated that the mining materials were extremely polluted, with Pb, Zn and Cd geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values higher than 5 in more than 90% of the samples. The pollution load index (PLI) showed average values of 18.1, which classifies them as very highly polluted. The toxicity tests showed a higher toxicity for plants than crustaceans, being the highest values of toxicity related to toxic elements (Pb, Cd and Zn), electrical conductivity and to pH. This paper presents for the first time the combination of indices in the categorization of mining waste prior to its restoration. The combination of them has made it possible to categorize the waste and adapt the restoration and remediation procedures.
PB MDPI
SN 2075-163X
YR 2023
FD 2023
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72233
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72233
LA eng
NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
DS Docta Complutense
RD 7 may 2024