Abandoned Metal Mines Research Articles

Acidicapsa ferrireducens sp. nov., Acidicapsa acidiphila sp. nov., and Granulicella acidiphila sp. nov.: novel acidobacteria isolated from metal-rich acidic waters.

Four novel strains of Acidobacteria were isolated from water samples taken from pit lakes at two abandoned metal mines in the Iberian Pyrite Belt mining district, south-west Spain. Three of the isolates belong to the genus Acidicapsa (MCF9T, MCF10T, and MCF14) and one of them to the genus Granulicella (MCF40T). All isolates are moderately acidophilic (pH growth optimum 3.8-4.1) and mesophilic (temperature growth optima 30-32°C). Isolates MCF10T and MCF40T grew at pH lower (<3.0) than previously reported for all other acidobacteria. All four strains are obligate heterotrophs and metabolised a wide range of sugars. While all four isolates are obligate aerobes, MCF9T, MCF10T, and MCF14 catalysed the reductive dissolution of the ferric iron mineral schwertmannite when incubated under micro-aerobic conditions. Isolates MCF9T and MCF14 shared 99.5% similarity of their 16S rRNA genes, and were considered to be strains of the same species. The major quinone of strains MCF10T, MCF9T, and MCF40T is MK-8, and their DNA G + C contents are 60.0, 59.7, and 62.1mol%, respectively. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic data, three novel species, Acidicapsa ferrireducens strain MCF9T (=DSM 28997T = NCCB 100575T), Acidicapsa acidiphila strain MCF10T (=DSM 29819T = NCCB 100576T), and Granulicella acidiphila strain MCF40T (DSM 28996T = NCCB 100577T), are proposed.

폐금속광산 지역 농작물섭취경로의 인체위해도 산정을 위한 생물농축계수와 토양분석방법에 관한 연구

폐금속광산 지역 농작물섭취경로의 인체위해도 산정을 위한 생물농축계수와 토양분석방법에 관한 연구

Variation of Cu and Zn Fractionation and Mobility in Mine Tailing Soil Due to Experimental Leaching

ABSTRACTThe aims of this paper were to assess the variation of heavy metal (Cu and Zn) fractions and mobility in abandoned metal mine soil due to batch experimental leaching. Four solutions with different pH levels were used in the experiments. The total and fractional concentrations of heavy metals in untreated and leached soils were determined. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to verify the differences in the Cu and Zn distribution in soils before and after leaching. In order to assess the mobility of heavy metals, mobility factors (MFs) were calculated. The research results showed that the original/untreated soil was mainly of a sandy texture and acidic in character. After batch leaching for 7 days, the distribution of heavy metals was dominant in the residual fraction (F5). Heavy metal fractions in F1, F2, F3, and F5 showed a decreasing trend, but an increasing trend in F4 was observed. Among the solutions applied having different pH values, HCl (pH 3) illustrated the strongest effect on decreasing heavy metals in short-term mobile fractions (F1 and F2). The MF of Zn decreased more than that of Cu after 7-day batch leaching.

A Study of leaching characteristics of abandoned metal mine tailings with a industrial waste and MICP of indigenous bacteria

A Study of leaching characteristics of abandoned metal mine tailings with a industrial waste and MICP of indigenous bacteria

Urinary arsenic species concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea.

BackgroundArsenic is a carcinogenic heavy metal that has a species-dependent health effects and abandoned metal mines are a source of significant arsenic exposure. Therefore, the aims of this study were to analyze urinary arsenic species and their concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines and to monitor the environmental health effects of abandoned metal mines in Korea.MethodsThis study was performed in 2014 to assess urinary arsenic excretion patterns of residents living near abandoned metal mines in South Korea. Demographic data such as gender, age, mine working history, period of residency, dietary patterns, smoking and alcohol use, and type of potable water consumed were obtaining using a questionnaire. Informed consent was also obtained from all study subjects (n = 119). Urinary arsenic species were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).ResultsThe geometric mean of urinary arsenic (sum of dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, As3+, and As5+) concentration was determined to be 131.98 μg/L (geometric mean; 95% CI, 116.72–149.23) while urinary inorganic arsenic (As3+ and As5+) concentration was 0.81 μg/L (95% CI, 0.53–1.23). 66.3% (n = 79) and 21.8% (n = 26) of these samples exceeded ATSDR reference values for urinary arsenic (>100 μg/L) and inorganic arsenic (>10 μg/L), respectively. Mean urinary arsenic concentrations (geometric mean, GM) were higher in women then in men, and increased with age. Of the five regions evaluated, while four regions had inorganic arsenic concentrations less than 0.40 μg/L, one region showed a significantly higher concentration (GM 15.48 μg/L; 95% CI, 7.51–31.91) which investigates further studies to identify etiological factors.ConclusionWe propose that the observed elevation in urinary arsenic concentration in residents living near abandoned metal mines may be due to environmental contamination from the abandoned metal mine.Trial registrationNot Applicable (We do not have health care intervention on human participants).

Study for Phytostabilization using Soil Amendment and Aster koraiensis Nakai in Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil of Abandoned Metal Mine

The objectives of this study were to select optimal soil amendments through analysis of heavy metal availability in soil and uptake to Aster koraiensis Nakai for forest rehabilitation of heavy metal contaminated soil of abandoned metal mine. A. koraiensis was cultivated for 6 months at contaminated soil with several soil treatments (bottom ash 1 and 2%, fly ash 1 and 2%, waste lime+oyster 1 and 2%, Acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS) 10 and 20%, compost 3.4%, non-contaminated natural forest soil, and control). The analysis results of heavy metal concentrations in the soil by Mehlich-3 mehthod, growth and heavy metal concentrations of A. koraiensis showed that waste oyster+lime 1% and compost were more effective than the other amendments for phytostabilization. However, it is needed comprehensive review of factors such as on-site condition, slope covering to reduce soil erosion and vegetation introduction from surround forest for revegetation to apply forest rehabilitation.

Exposure factors of cadmium for residents in an abandoned metal mine area in Korea

This study evaluated blood and urine cadmium (Cd) levels and human exposure factors for residents in an abandoned metal mine in Korea. We collected blood, urine, soil, water, and rice grain samples to analyze Cd concentrations and analyzed heavy metal concentration patterns in soil. We estimated the major exposure factor of Cd through non-carcinogenic risk assessment depending on exposure routes. The blood Cd concentration in the case group was 5.33 μg/L (geometric mean), significantly higher than that in the control group (1.63 μg/L, geometric mean). Urine Cd concentrations were also similar. The Cd concentrations in paddy soil (1.29 mg/kg) and rice grains (0.14 mg/kg) in the study area were higher than those in the control area (0.91 and 0.07 mg/kg, respectively). The analysis of heavy metal concentration in soil showed that the Cd levels in agricultural soil in the case group were attributable to the mine. The hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd by rice ingestion in the case group (1.25) was 2 times higher than that in the control group (0.6). We found that the HQ of rice ingestion contributed to more than 97 % of the total HQ, indicating that rice grains were the major exposure source. However, it is likely that the continuous intake of Cd-exposed crops led to chronic exposure among the residents in mine area.

Remediation of metalliferous mines, revegetation challenges and emerging prospects in semi-arid and arid conditions.

Understanding plant behaviour in polluted soils is critical for the sustainable remediation of metal-polluted sites including abandoned mines. Post-operational and abandoned metal mines particularly in semi-arid and arid zones are one of the major sources of pollution by soil erosion or plant hyperaccumulation bringing ecological impacts. We have selected from the literature 157 species belonging to 50 families to present a global overview of 'plants under action' against heavy metal pollution. Generally, all species of plants that are drought, salt and metal tolerant are candidates of interest to deal with harsh environmental conditions, particularly at semi-arid and arid mine sites. Pioneer metallophytes namely Atriplex nummularia, Atriplex semibaccata, Salsola kali, Phragmites australis and Medicago sativa, representing the taxonomic orders Caryophyllales, Poales and Fabales are evaluated in terms of phytoremediation in this review. Phytoremediation processes, microbial and algal bioremediation, the use and implication of tissue culture and biotechnology are critically examined. Overall, an integration of available remediation plant-based technologies, referred to here as 'integrated remediation technology,' is proposed to be one of the possible ways ahead to effectively address problems of toxic heavy metal pollution. Graphical abstract Integrated remediation technology (IRT) in metal-contaminated semi-arid and arid conditions. The hexagonal red line represents an IRT concept based on remediation decisions by combination of plants and microbial processes.

Effects of Soil Neutralizing Treatments on Soil Characteristics and Growth of Aster koraiensis in the Acid Soil of Abandoned Metal Mine

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soil neutralizing treatments on soil characteristics and growth of Aster koraiensis in the acid soil of abandoned metal mine for selection of proper neutralizer. The most effective neutralizers were acid mine drainage sludge, waste lime + oyster and compost. Those neutralizing treatments showed promoting growth of Aster koraiensis. According to this study, it is applicable of acid mine drainage sludge, waste lime + oyster and compost to neutralize acid soil for rehabilitation in abandoned metal mine. However, follow-up study is necessary to calculate proper ratio of each neutralizer.

Abandoned metal mines and their impact on receiving waters: A case study from Southwest England

Historic mine sites are a major source of contamination to terrestrial and river environments. To demonstrate the importance of determining the significance of point and diffuse metal contamination and the related bioavailability of the metals present from abandoned mines a case study has been carried out. The study provides a quantitative assessment of a historic mine site, Wheal Betsy, southwest England, and its contribution to non-compliance with Water Framework Directive (WFD) Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Surface water and sediment samples showed significant negative environmental impacts even taking account of the bioavailability of the metal present, with lead concentration in the stream sediment up to 76 times higher than the Canadian sediment guidelines ‘Probable Effect Level’. Benthic invertebrates showed a decline in species richness adjacent to the mine site with lead and cadmium the main cause. The main mine drainage adit was the single most significant source of metal (typically 50% of metal load from the area, but 88% for Ni) but the mine spoil tips north and south of the adit input added together discharged roughly an equivalent loading of metal with the exception of Ni. The bioavailability of metal in the spoil tips exhibited differing spatial patterns owing to varying ambient soil physico-chemistry. The data collected is essential to provide a clear understanding of the contamination present as well as its mobility and bioavailability, in order to direct the decision making process regarding remediation options and their likely effectiveness.

Evaluating Ecotoxicity of Surface Water and Soil Adjacent to Abandoned Metal Mines with Daphnia magna and Eisenia fetida

Heavy metal pollution in agricultural fields at the abandoned metal mines has been serious problems in Korea. In order to manage heavy metal pollution in surface water and soil, numerous remediation strategies have been established. Therefore, main purpose of this research was to examine feasibility of ecological toxicity assessment for establishing management strategy in heavy metal polluted agricultural fields. Heavy metal concentration in surface water and soil was monitored along with ecotoxicity experiment with Daphnia magna and Eisenia fetida. Result showed that high toxicity was observed in heavily polluted agricultural field with heavy metals. In case of mortality of Daphnia magna (85%) and Eisenia fetida (6.7%), the highest ratio was observed when heavy metal concentration in surface and soil was high. Calculated ecotoxicity index (EI) ranged 0.06-0.30 and the highest EI was observed in heavily polluted sites among 5 abandoned metal mines. Overall, ecological toxicity assessment is necessary to evaluate heavy metal pollution in agricultural fields near at the abandoned metal mines along with chemical concentration analysis.

Remediation of Heavy Metal Polluted Agricultural Field with Spent Mushroom Media

Environmental pollution from abandoned metal mines has been awarded as serious problem and many techniques have been applied to remediate pollutants. Main objective of this research was to evaluate efficiency of heavy metal sorption capacity of spent mushroom media (SMM) in aqueous and soil matrix. Laboratory batch experiment was conducted and 4 different heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) were evaluated. In aqueous phase, all 4 heavy metals showed high reduction efficiency ranged from 60-99% and Pb showed the highest sorption efficiency. In case of soil phase, much lower sorption efficiency was observed compared to aqueous phase. The highest reduction efficiency was observed in Cd (average of 38%). With scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive detector (SED-EDS) analysis, we confirmed sorption of heavy metals at the surface of SMM. Overall, SMM can be used as sorption materials for heavy metals in both aqueous and soil matrix and more research should be conducted to increase sorption efficiency of SMM in soil.

Arsenic and heavy metals in paddy soil and polished rice contaminated by mining activities in Korea

Rice plays an essential role in Asian sustenance. Moreover, it can take up toxic elements through its roots from contaminated soils, and even its leaves and grain can absorb the elements deposited on the soil surface. Hence in 2010, forty soil and polished rice samples were collected from four representative abandoned metal mining areas in Korea and analyzed for As and heavy metals, including Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Average levels of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in agricultural soil samples were 64.4, 2.31, 63.5, 146 and 393mgkg−1, respectively. In addition, the average content of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in rice grain grown on the contaminated soils evaluated was 0.247, 0.174, 4.69, 0.804 and 16.8mgkg−1 (dry weight, DW), respectively. These levels are relatively higher than worldwide averages reported by various researchers. Assuming the average rice consumption of 199gday−1 by overall households in Korea, the amount of daily intake of As and the heavy metals was estimated. The appraised daily intake of As and Cd from the rice grown in the study areas is up to 50% and 80% of ADI (acceptable daily intake) suggested by the FAO/WHO Joint Food Additive and Contaminants Committee, respectively. Consequently, regular rice consumption grown in soils especially in the mining areas can cause health problems for local residents.

Biosequestration of copper by bacteria isolated from an abandoned mine by using microbially induced calcite precipitation

Abandoned mine sites are frequently polluted with high concentrations of heavy metals. In this study, 25 calcite-forming bacteria were newly isolated from the soil of an abandoned metal mine in Korea. Based on their urease activity, calcite production, and resistance to copper toxicity, four isolates were selected and further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Among the isolates, Sporosarcina soli B-22 was selected for subsequent copper biosequestration studies, using the sand impermeability test by production of calcite and extracellular polymeric substance. High removal rates (61.8%) of copper were obtained when the sand samples were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer following 72 h of incubation. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the copper carbonate precipitates had a diameter of approximately 5-10 μm. X-ray diffraction further confirmed the presence of copper carbonate and calcium carbonate crystals.

Human Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Heavy Metal Contamination and Estimation of Remediation Concentration within Abandoned Metal Mine Area

This study was initiated to propose the method for human risk assessment suitable to metal mine area. Using a variety of exposure parameters extracted from the investigation of abandoned metal mines, the proposed method was applied to assess the risk of As and heavy metal contamination for inhabitants (male and female adults and child) within an abandoned mine area. Based on the results of risk assessment, in addition, target remediation concentrations of each media (soil, groundwater, and surface water) were estimated. The results indicate that total carcinogenic risk (TCR) and hazard index (HI) representing carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, respectively, were calculated to exceed the tolerable levels (1.00E-6 and 1) with regard to two exposure pathways (groundwater and crop intakes) and As. Thus, the human risk of study area was evaluated to be significant. Based on the target risk (TR) for carcinogens, the remediation concentrations of soil were computed to be 6.83~6.85 mg/kg and 18.41~18.46 mg/kg for As and Pb, respectively. In terms of target hazard index (THI) for non-carcinogens, the remediation concentrations of soil were calculated to be 17.38 mg/kg for Cu and 9.13 mg/kg for As.

라이시미터를 이용한 중화처리된 산성화경사지의 계절별 pH 용탈특성 평가

우리나라의 지형은 약 70% 이상이 산악지역으로 형성되어 있으며 평균 pH는 4 ~ 5로 산성화 정도가 심각한 수준이다. 현재 국내에는 약 1,000여개의 휴 폐광된 많은 금속광산이 오염 방지시설이나 처리시설이 갖춰지지 않은 채 중금속을 함유한 광미나 폐석이 장기간 환경 중에 노출되어 왔으며, 지속적인 관리 및 환경오염에 대한 모니터링이 미흡한 실정이다. 대부분의 휴 폐광산은 산림지역에 밀집하여 있어 경사지면으로 이루어진 곳이 많다. 경사지에서의 강우에 의한 토양유실은 작물의 생산성과 함께 수계의 부영양화 등에도 영향을 미치며 이로 인한 2차 오염원으로 발전할 수 있어 심각한 수준의 환경문제를 야기할 수 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 실제 산성화경사지와 유사한 조건의 라이시미터를 조성하고 과거 기 수행된 연구의 산출물인 폐자원을 활용한 중화제를 이용하여 중화처리를 실시한 후, 계절별 특성에 따라 인공강우를 살포하여 토양과 유출수의 pH 용탈에 따른 2차 환경오염 여부를 가늠하고 중화처리 후 식물식재 방안을 모색하고자 한다. 실험은 산성토양만을 충진한 대조군과 중화처리를 실시한 실험구 1, 중화처리 후 식물식재를 조성한 실험구 2로 구성하였다. 실험결과, 모든 계절에서 중화처리를 실시한 실험구 1, 2가 낮은 pH 용탈결과를 나타내었으며, 특히 실험구 2에서는 pH 용탈률이 가장 낮은 것으로 나타났다. 강우강도와 강우빈도 등 계절별 특성에 따른 pH 용탈은 큰 영향이 없는 것으로 나타났다. Korean territories has formed about 70% of mountainous areas that have acidified serious level to average pH 4-5. There are a number of abandoned metal mines about 1,000 in Korea. However, mine tailings and waste rock included heavy metals are exposed to long-term environment without prevention facility or treatment system. Thus, ongoing management and monitoring of soil environment are required. Most of abandoned mine scattered in forest areas of slopes. Soil erosion due to continuous rainfall in the slopy areas can cause the secondary pollution by the influence eutrophication of water system and the productivity loss of the plant. Therefore, this study would like to estimate pH leaching rate by artificial rainfall using waste neutralization-agent in lysimeter. Moreover, the potentially of secondary pollution related to precipitation is figured out through the experiments, and the optimal planting methods would examinate after neutralizing treatment in soil. Experiments composed three kinds of lysimeter; lysimeter 1 had filled only acidic soil, lysimeter 2 had neutralized soil, and lysimeter 3 had planting plants after neutralized soil. In the results, lysimeter 2 showed the lowest pH leaching, and there is not specific relativity with pH leaching of the seasonal characteristics.

국내 두 폐금속 광산의 중금속오염 인체위해성평가 비교

This study was conducted to propose the methodology of human risk assessment specialized to domestic mine areas and to quantify the human risk of heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) contamination around two abandoned metal mines. To attain the goals, we established a relevant exposure scenario, including 7 exposure pathways and extracted a variety of exposure factors reflecting the characteristics of inhabitants around abandoned metal mine areas. Finally, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were compared between two areas, exposure pathways, heavy metal contaminants, and receptors. The total excess carcinogenic risks of two mine areas of concern were calculated to be larger than the acceptable carcinogenic risk (), indicating those two areas are not safe for carcinogenic hazard. In addition, the hazard indices of two areas were computed to be higher than unit risk (1), suggesting that the areas of concern have non-carcinogenic risk. Ingestion of crop and intake of groundwater were evaluated to be main exposure pathways contributing to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks within the areas. Also, the results show that carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards were mostly attributed to As and As, Cd, and Pb, respectively.

Association of cadmium with diabetes in middle-aged residents of abandoned metal mines: the first health effect surveillance for residents in abandoned metal mines.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the association between urinary cadmium (U-cd) concentration and diabetes in middle-aged Korean residents of abandoned mines using the first Health Effect Surveillance for Residents in Abandoned Metal mines (HESRAM).MethodsThis study was cross-sectional study conducted on 719 residents between 40–70 years in 38 abandoned metal mines in Korea. Data was collected by HESRAM from 2008 to 2011. The correlation coefficient of U-cd and fasting blood glucose, odds ratio in urinary cadmium tertiles and diabetes prevalence was analyzed according to the sex category.ResultsThe correlation coefficient U-cd concentration and fasting blood glucose was 0.182 in male. Logistic regression analysis in male revealed a third tertile odds ratio of U-cd (2 μg/g creatinine < U-cd) while diabetes prevalence was 1.81 (95 % CI 1.05-3.12) with adjusted age, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption, region, family income. On the other hand, the odds ratio for third tertile of U-cd (3 μg/g creatinine < U-cd) between diabetes prevalence in female was 1.39 (95 % CI 0.52-3.72) in addition to adjusted menopausal status.ConclusionsEnvironmental exposure to cadmium in abandoned mine residents was associated with diabetes in male. Closed monitoring and periodic evaluation of the health effects of chronic environmental exposure on abandoned mines residents will be needed.

Pedogenesis in mine tails affects macroporosity, hydrological properties, and pollutant flow

Mining activities take a direct impact on the environment, particularly when this activity is focused on metal-ore exploitation. Abandoned metal mine areas contain different types of residues from ore-processing operations that are typically characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals. One consequence is the generation of acid-mine drainage, caused by the oxidation and hydrolysis of metal sulphides. Mine tail soils have been studied under several points of view, but not on how crack formation affects their properties and functioning, before irreversible hardening. The Cartagena–La Union mining district is one of the more ancient Spanish mining regions. This region is placed at the south-eastern part of Spain, and contains one of the largest lead and zinc ore deposits in South Europe, which was exploited for Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Fe and Cu from the Phoenician and Carthaginian times. The aim of this research work was to characterize the pedogenesis that occurred in mine tailings of different age and properties, to highlight the physical and hydrological changes that occurred as a consequence of pedogenesis, and their consequences on the environmental pollution risk. Soil profile morphology was studied in the field likewise the surficial pattern of cracks, shear strength, bulk density, and erosion. Laboratory analyses were conducted to characterize physical, chemical, elemental, mineralogical, and hydrological differences between the soil mass in the macro aggregates and in the fissures. Macroporosity was studied through image analysis of thin sections of undisturbed soil samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on the clay fraction. Studied soils resulted strongly polluted, especially as for Zn, Pb, Cd, Cl, Mn, and Ni and were classified as different kinds of Spolic Technosol. Crack formation significantly affected shear strength, bulk density, macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and element distribution. Gully and tunnel erosion was also driven by crack formation. The mineralogy of the clay fraction revealed that smectites are present, favouring crack opening. Crack formation deeply affected soil features and behaviour, namely hydrological properties and flow of pollutants, which in turn condition environmental health and possible soil stabilization and reclamation strategies.

Effect of Chemical Amendments on Soil Biological Quality in Heavy Metal Contaminated Agricultural Field

Heavy metal pollution has been a critical problem in agricultural field near at the abandoned metal mines and chemical amendments are applied for remediation purpose. However, biological activity can be changed depending on chemical amendments affecting crop productivity. Main purpose of this research was to evaluate biological parameters after applying chemical amendments in heavy metal polluted agricultural field. Result showed that soil respiration (SR) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were changed after chemical amendments were applied. Among three different amendments, lime stone (LS), steel slag (SS), and acid mine drainage sludge(AMDS), AMDS had an effect to increase SR in paddy soil. Comparing to control (93.98-170.33 mg kg -1 day -1 ), average of 30% increased SR was observed. In terms of MBC, SS had an increased effect in paddy soil. However, no significant difference of SR and MBC was observed in upland soil after chemical amendment application. Overall, SR can be used as an indicator of heavy metal remediation in paddy soil.