Abstract

GONZALEZ-MORALES, M. et al. Spatial distribution of polluting metals from mining. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2022, vol.45, n.4, pp.1131-1140.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.28761.

The extractive activities of metal resources generate a large amount of waste that accumulates in solid dumps in the vicinity of the operation. In this work, the contamination generated after the abandonment of the San Rafael mine, one of the more than 60 deposits that were exploited in the area of Azuaga (Badajoz), has been studied. 320 ha around the mine were studied, collecting 40 mud and soil samples at a depth of 30 cm, both in the surroundings of the well (main source of contamination) and in the dump and more distant areas. The total content of toxic elements present was determined by ICP-MS after acid digestion (HNO3 and HCl). The geostatistical study using kriging marked the existing contamination levels throughout the studied area, deducing that the mining environment is highly contaminated by elements such as Zn, Pb and Tl, exceeding the concentrations of the Generic Reference Levels (NGR) established for ecosystem health (DOE, 2015; CCME, 2006). In view of these results, it is advisable to undertake different actions that lead to the minimization of said contamination in order to avoid transfer to the food chain.

Keywords : Mining; Pollution; metal(oids); Kriging.

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