Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Mine Tailings Amended with Composted Manure

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effect of composted cow manure (CCM) on the chemical fractionation and retention degree of heavy metals (HMs) in mine tailings from Zimapán, México. In a greenhouse experiment, mine tailings from three deposits were incubated for 3 months; experimental units were placed in a PVC container, where increasing doses of CCM were applied. HM pseudo-total concentrations, HM extractions with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, 0.05 M), and a sequential chemical extraction (SCE) were carried out. The HM concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The pseudo-total concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni found were up to 1506, 206, 27, and 23 mg kg−1, respectively; extractable Pb was up to 42%; 21% for Cu; 51% for Cd; and 16% of Ni of the pseudo-total concentrations of each metal. Treatment with 12% of CCM in mine tailing decreased EDTA-extractable HM concentrations, while the SCE revealed a decrease in exchangeable fraction and an increase in the organic fraction of HM. A positive correlation between CCM application and organic fractions of HMs was found, although the highest increasements were recorded in the organic fraction.