Determination of Bioavailability, Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks, and Biomonitoring of Potential Toxic Elements in Gold Mine Tailings from Four Areas of Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

Gold mining has helped many countries and regions grow and prosper. Yet, because of the significant environmental effects produced, waste management (mine tailings) has emerged as a crucial issue for the sector. In this study, the concentrations of several potential toxic elements (PTEs) (Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) in mine tailings from four gold mining operations (Yalí, Puerto Berrio, Buriticá 1, and Buriticá 2,) were quantified. A biomonitoring system has also been suggested, along with two environmental risk indexes for ecosystems and human health. To do this, composite samples of tailings were collected from the four regions. A PTEs analysis using an ICP-OES as well as physicochemical characterization (pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter) have been performed. Indicators such as antioxidant activity and H2O2 content in Phaseolus vulgaris plants have been used to estimate the bioavailability of PTEs. In contrast to the pseudo-total concentration, the data showed that the bioavailable concentration of PTEs correlated with the risk. The ecological system and public health are more at risk from the mine tailings in Buriticá and Puerto Berrio. It has been demonstrated that P. vulgaris is a quick and effective technique to assess the danger to the environment and public health connected with mining regions, according to the suggested biomonitoring system. The findings of this study can assist the relevant authorities in taking quick action to improve environmental protection and risk management of hazardous waste in gold mining areas.