Abstract
Silver, Ag, Sn, and Zn ores has been intensively mined and processed at Cerro Rico de Potosi, Bolivia since 1545. Acid mine drainage and processing plant effluent are prime sources of water contamination in the headwaters of the economically and ecologically vital, yet highly impacted, Rio Pilcomayo watershed. Streams receiving drainage from the slopes of Cerro Rico and surrounding landscapes were sampled during the dry (July-August 2006) and wet (March 2007) seasons of one water-year. In-stream waters contain total metals concentrations of up to 16 mg/L As, 4.9 mg/L Cd, 0.97 mg/L Co, 1100 mg/L Fe, 110 mg/L Mn, 4.1 mg/L Pb, and 1500 mg/L Zn with pH and specific conductivity ranging from 2.8-9.5 and 160-5070 μS/cm, respectively. Many of the studied water bodies are more degraded than class D of the Bolivian receiving water body criteria, rendering them unfit for domestic or agricultural use. However, some of these waters are currently being used for irrigation and livestock watering. The data indicate that historic and current mining activities have transformed these key natural resources into potential human and environmental health hazards.
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