Djebel Onk Research Articles

Wet grinding effect on the release of phosphate grains and gangue mineral grains of phosphate ores from the Djebel Onk deposit

Wet grinding effect on the release of phosphate grains and gangue mineral grains of phosphate ores from the Djebel Onk deposit

Analysis of the settling process to improve the quality of phosphate products of the Djebel Onk deposit

The object of the study is the phosphates of the Djebel Onk region, which are part of a vast group of phosphate deposits formed in the Late Cretaceous-Eocene period on the South and Southeast Mediterranean shores. These concentrations of economic interest are operated near the town of Bir El Ater (Tebessa, Algeria). The mining industry based on the extraction and processing of different minerals while respecting the environmental framework plays an important role in the economy of a country. The economic potential of each country will be determined based on the level of production of metals and various mineral substances. In the case of the Djebel Onk phosphate ore, the most dominant mineral in addition to P2O5 is calcium carbonate CaCO3 with more than 50 % in the all-mineral content. In addition, phosphate concentrate contains harmful elements which reduce the value of the market product. Therefore, this study aims to recover the enriched product efficiently and profitably with a minimum of deleterious elements. This work aims to develop a treatment technology with a minimum rejection rate, which allows for achieving production goals and reducing environmental impacts. For this purpose, we proposed an enrichment of these phosphate discharges from the settling process utilizing pneumatic selection (Turbo Separator Ventilate – TSV). The results of the chemical analyses confirm the significant difference in useful and major elements (P2O5) and the minor and harmful elements (MgO). According to the granulochemical analysis of each slice, it is possible to note that the P2O5 content is similar to the various particle-size slices. It is therefore necessary to treat the mass of waste if we want to recover as much phosphate as possible. The obtained X-ray diffractograms highlighted appreciable differences between the raw phosphates and the concentrates, in fact, the qualitative and quantitative variation of the mineralogical species, particularly the calcite, quartz, dolomite, and apatite. TSV is a process used to improve the quality and quantity of phosphate and to eliminate the layer below 0.8 mm. Corresponding to the analyses it was appeared that the P2O5 content 29.5–30 % of the settled product increases to 30.2–31 % after dust removal. Then it is possible to achieve an increase in the quality of phosphate from 63/65 % TPL to 66/68 % TPL.

Sustainable Transportation Planning for Djebel Onk's Open-Pit Phosphate Mine in Algeria: Using Queuing Theory and Cost-Emission Analysis

Sustainable Transportation Planning for Djebel Onk's Open-Pit Phosphate Mine in Algeria: Using Queuing Theory and Cost-Emission Analysis

Analysis of combined processing method of phosphate minerals from the Kef Essenoun deposit

Currently, the processing of beige and black phosphates only concerns the main sub-layers, while the other sub-layers (lower and upper for beige phosphate and the upper for black phosphate) are considered waste rock and stored near the complex. Therefore, the object of this research is the use of mixtures of three beige phosphate sub-layers and two black phosphate sub-layers as a feed fraction for the calcination and reverses flotation processes. This research work aims to characterise and treat two types of phosphate: one beige with the sub-layers (main, lower and upper) and the other black with the sub-layers (main and upper) in order to have better recovery of P2O5. The working methodology consists of a series of sample preparation operations and characterization of the two types of beige and black phosphate. This characterization includes a petrographic study, a granulochemical analysis, an X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and an atomic adsorption spectrophotometry (SAA), an auto analyzer (AA), a Bernard calcimeter. These analyzes allow on the one hand to identify the mineral phases in quantitative and qualitative manner, and on the other hand to choose the process for treating phosphates from the Kef Essenoun–Tebessa deposit. The combined method of treatment by calcination followed by reverse flotation gave satisfactory results. The P2O5 content reaches 33.88 % for beige phosphate and 33.13 % for black phosphate. The stored waste rock represents a problem for the company; this waste rock contains fairly high levels of phosphate. The treatment of the mixture of the main sub-layers with these waste rocks makes it possible to obtain a better recovery of P2O5, a better economic profitability of the Djebel Onk mining complex and an environmental impact in the region.

Geochemistry of Bled El Hadba phosphorites (NE Algeria): Glauconitization process versus REE-enrichment

Rare earth element (REE) enrichment in Algerian phosphorites has been evoked recently by a number of authors and are considered among the richest Paleocene-Eocene phosphorites worldwide. The Bled El Hadba deposit belongs to the giant Djebel Onk phosphorite complex in northeast Algeria. The deposit was subject to many geological studies that were focused on P2O5 contents for commercial purposes. The upper Thanetian phosphorite layer is about 30 m thick, and subdivided into three sub-layers (lower, main and upper sub-layer), based on P2O5 contents, where the main sub-layer is considered to be the richest. Despite this, few detailed geochemical investigations were carried out on this deposit thus far. In this work, major, trace and REE analyses were conducted on phosphate particles (pellets, coprolites and glauconites) using ‘in situ’ LA-ICP MS, and on whole-rock samples using XRF technique. The results show that the main sub-layer displays the highest whole-rock P2O5 contents, varying between 19.65 and 21.32 wt% compared to the lower (10.47–16.87 wt%) and upper (9.43–13.87 wt%) sub-layers. Among the phosphate particles, glauconites display the lowest P2O5 contents in the three sub-layers (17.45–19.35 wt%) compared to pellets (21.14–24.33 wt%) and coprolites (21.75–24.12 wt%), and largely the highest Al2O3, SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3(t). Glauconites also show higher ΣREE contents (764–2050 ppm) compared to pellets (221–910 ppm) and coprolites (214–909 ppm). Within the glauconite particles, the ΣREE, along with Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, and Fe2O3(t) contents, increase from core to the rim, whereas P2O5 contents decrease, which suggests that glauconitization postdates phosphatization processes. Also, the glauconitization process increase from the lower to the upper sub-layer; this is shown by the positive correlations between Al2O3 contents and those of MgO and SiO2 in one hand, and negative correlations between Al2O3 and P2O5 on the other hand. Ce, Eu, Y anomalies, along with La/Nd ratios and Nd contents, all point towards phosphatization under oxic conditions as a result of warm water upwelling, whereas glauconitization started under more reduced (sub-oxic) conditions; i.e., during early diagenesis, the peak of REE uptake from porewater, and under slow sedimentation rates.Despite their relatively low P2O5 concentrations, the ΣREE contents of the Bled El Hadba phosphate particles record the highest concentrations in all Algerian and north African phosphorites. The main sub-layer is considered to be the most glauconite-rich phosphorite in Algeria. Therefore, more extensive REE analyses are recommended to better evaluate its economic potential in terms of critical raw materials.

Geochemical distribution and environmental assessment of potentially toxic elements in farmland soils, sediments, and tailings from phosphate industrial area (NE Algeria)

This study investigates the extent and spatial distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in the Djebel Onk phosphate mine area in south-eastern Algeria, as well as the associated risks to human health. Various scales are considered and sampled, including tailing waste (n = 8), surrounding farmland soil (n = 21), and sediments (n = 5). The samples were mineralogically and chemically analyzed using XRD, FTIR, XRF, and ICP-MS techniques. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied after transforming the raw data into centered-log ratios (clr) to identify the dominant factors controlling the distribution of PTEs. Furthermore, pollution assessment was conducted using several indices, including geo-accumulation, pollution load, contamination security indices, and enrichment and contamination factors. The results reveal that the analyzed samples are mostly P-enriched in the mine tailings, farmland soil, and sediments, with P2O5 concentrations ranging from 13.37 wt% to 26.17 wt%, 0.91–21.70 wt%, and 17.04–29.41 wt%, respectively. The spatial distribution of PTEs exhibits clearly a decrease in the contents of CaO, P2O5, Cr, Sr, Cd, and U with increasing distance from the mine discharge site, while other oxides, such as MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, K2O, and Fe2O3, and associated elements (Cu, Co, Pb, and Zn), show an increase. PCA confirms the influence of minerals such as, apatite, dolomite, and silicates on the distribution PTEs. It denoted that the highest contamination level of all PTEs in soils and sediments was observed in the southern part of the plant and mine tailings compared to the northern part. In terms of human health risks, the assessment reveals that the hazard index (HI) values for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with PTEs in the study area are below 1, suggesting no significant risk. However, regardless of the sample type, the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values vary from 1.69E-05–2.11E-03 and from 1.03E-04–2.27E-04 for Cr, Ni, As (children) and Cd (adults), respectively, exceeding the safe levels recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The study highlights that oral ingestion poses the greatest risk, followed by dermal contact and particle inhalation. Importantly, all these indices decrease with increasing distance from the sampling site to the waste discharge point and the factory, which indicates that the phosphate mining activity had caused some extent risks. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating the adverse health impacts and guiding environmental management efforts.

Characterisation of platinum electrode modified with phosphate rock for Cd2+ ions detection

In the present paper we report the characterization of platinum electrode modified with a polymeric membrane. The use of natural minerals such as phosphate rock (PR) from the mine of Djebel Onk (Algeria) was investigated as ionophore for Cd2+ ions detection. The impedance data were adjusted from 100 mHz to 100 kHz and at polarisation - 200 mV. The maximum exchange was obtained between pH 4 and 6. Low detection limit is about 10-5 M.

Environmental Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Metals in Phosphate Rocks, Products, and Their Wastes in the Algerian Phosphate Mining Area (Tébessa, NE Algeria)

This study is focused on the environmental geochemistry of potentially toxic metals (PTMs)-bearing products and wastes in a mining area in Djebel Onk (NE Algeria) and their potential ecological and health risk assessment. Representative samples from (i) commercial products and (ii) grain size classes of wastes were mineralogically characterized using X-ray diffraction. The major and PTMs elements in the samples were chemically analyzed via ICP-AES and ICP-MS, respectively. The results reveal that the samples were mostly composed of carbonate fluorapatite (P2O5 > 24 wt %) and yielded PTM concentrations within the average range of phosphorites in neighboring countries and worldwide deposits as well. The concentrations of V, Cd, As, Ni, and Pb in the products were found to be within the acceptable values according to various standards, such as the Canadian and German Fertilizer Ordinance policies. Geochemically, PTMs distribution is linked to the main sub-composition of phosphate rock (apatite, clay, and dolomite). The Enrichment Factors (EF) display very-high-to-extremely-high enrichment of PTMs (Cr, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Th, and U), while V, Co, Cu, Ni, Zr, Ga, Nb, and Pb show minor and moderate-to-high enrichments. Among all the PTMs, Cd, Tl, and U display a very high ecological risk (PERI) and contribute most to the total risk index (RI). The human health risk assessment of PTMs represented by the Hazard Index (HI) indicates that the non-carcinogenic risks are below the threshold values (HI < 1), while the HI values are higher for children than they are for adults. However, the cancer index (life time cancer risk) for Cr, Ni, As, and Cd for children and Cd for adults is greater than the acceptable threshold. These results are useful for phosphate beneficiation via removing these PTMs from the commercial product for efficient waste management.

Characterization of phosphate wastes of Djebel Onk mining complex for a sustainable environmental management

The objects of the research are phosphate ore rejections – industrial waste resulting from the treatment of phosphate ore by different processes (particle size separation, calcination, physicochemical process, electrostatically process, etc.). These discharges are generally stored in specially constructed sedimentation ponds. However, its storage for a long period leads to serious environmental problems because they contain heavy and radioactive metals that affect nearby communities. They contaminate groundwater and surface water through the infiltration of caustic solution laden with rare metals. To remedy these environmental disasters and manage these concerns, it is necessary to upgrade the discharges from the Djebel Onk complex and give an added value to the national economy. The start-up of the Djebel El Onk phosphate complex, in the province of Tebessa was in 1965, since that date, all the waste resulting from the beneficiation process has been dumped in the valley adjacent to the complex without any treatment or recycling, it should be noted that the Djebel Onk phosphate complex generates huge quantities of phosphate sludge (more than 4000 tons per day). This waste is relatively rich in useful substance. The results of chemical analyzes reveal that these sludge’s contain around 20.2 % of phosphate (P2O5) with the presence of different heavy metals such as Uranium, Cadmium, Zinc, Copper, and Arsenic etc. Those metals threaten life of local residents and affects vegetation, livestock in nearby populated areas. However, this work systematically reviews the mineralogical and chemical characterization of the phosphate sludge rejected by the Djebel Onk treatment complex to develop a suitable method for their revaluation. In our work, in this viable environmental perspective, we try to highlight the use of wastes as an alternative raw material in building materials. The impact of heavy metals on the environment and health is determined by the chemical species, concentration, bioavailability and transport through food chains, unless they are released into nature due to the consequences harm they create. Certain elements, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, etc., have no function in maintaining body balance and are immediately dangerous.

Environmental polluting effects of liquid wastes and phosphate sludge generated by the Djebel Onk mining complex


 
 
 The production of phosphate concentrates is confronted with problems of treatment of wastes, of which the quantities are considerable. These wastes contain a large number of elements that are harmful to the environment. In this case, of phosphate wastes from Djebel Onk in the form of sludge that are the subject of our work, several trace elements have been recorded in limited levels. Indeed, elements such as lead and chromium have levels that exceed 60 and 300 ppm respectively. They far exceed the requirements of the mineral industry. The legislation, the severity of which varies from country to country, increasingly requires rigorous management and monitoring of these wastes in order to guarantee the protection of the environment from these toxic substances contained in the wastes. This work focuses on the management of phosphate wastes from Djebel Onk in liquid or sludge form. Current practices on their evacuation from neighbouring valleys to the operating site may harm the local environment. Moreover, the flow of this sludge which is increasingly thickened becomes more difficult. In this context, for environmental considerations and in order to define a concept linked to sustainable development, this study advocates a new approach in the recovery of phosphate wastes. It is based on the intrinsic properties of the present minerals determined by qualitative and quantitative analysis developed by different characterization techniques (XRD, XRF, IR, etc.). This makes it possible to define the chemical and mineralogical composition of liq- uid phosphate wastes which are rich in calcite (44.45 % in CaO) to those of phosphate elements (21 % in P2O5) and gangue minerals such as dolomite (7, 6 % in MgO), and quartz (5.8 % in SiO2). The microscopic observations carried out on these wastes showed the presence of the main minerals identified by XRD: fluorapatite, hydroxylapatite, carbonate, dolomite, calcite and quartz. The sought objective is to contribute to controlling these impurities to recover them from the water generated by the industrial installations for the exploitation of these materials with a view to their reuse in the laundries of the mining complex.
 
 

Native Bacteria Isolated from Phosphate Deposits Reveal Efficient Metal Biosorption and Adhesion to Ore Particles

Mining and processing phosphate ore are among the essential branches of the economy in some developing countries, including Algeria. Conventional ore beneficiation methods can harm the environment by consuming tremendous amounts of water resources (during washing and flotation), potentially hazardous chemicals, and thermal energy. Mine water contains toxic metals that, when released, interfere with environmental functioning. Therefore, in line with environmental needs, conventional methods should be gradually replaced with safe biotechnological processes. This study aimed to investigate the biosorption and adhesion abilities of native microorganisms isolated from Djebel Onk ore (Algeria). The examined bacterial strains differed in their metal accumulation efficiency. The incubation of phosphate ore with the native strain Bacillus HK4 significantly increased the recovery of Mg and Cd (at pH 7, 8147.00 and 100.89 µg/g−1, respectively). The HK4 strain also revealed better adhesion to the ore particles than the reference strain of Bacillus subtilis. Thus, biosorption could be more effective when using the native HK4 strain, which can remove Cd and/or Mg over a pH 4–10 range. Moreover, concerning the unique adhesion capacity of HK4, the strain can be considered in the design of bioflotation methods, as well as in the development of an eco-friendly method of ore and post-flotation waste beneficiation.

Quality of Phosphate Rocks from Various Deposits Used in Wet Phosphoric Acid and P-Fertilizer Production.

Phosphate rocks (PRs) play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of phosphorous for the world's food needs. PRs are used to manufacture phosphoric acid in the wet process as well as P-fertilizers. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of PRs from Djebel Onk (Algeria), Khneifiss (Syria), Negev (Israel), Bou Craa (Morocco), and Khouribga (Morocco) are discussed in this study. PRs were characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS), ion chromatography (IC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as gravimetric and potentiometric methods. All PRs were mainly composed of CaO, P2O5, SiO2, F, SO3, Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, SrO, and K2O at the level of wt.%. The P2O5 content accounted for 28.7-31.2%, which indicates that these are beneficial rocks to a marketable product. The degree of PR purity expressed by the minor elements ratio index (MER index) varied from 2.46% to 10.4%, and the CaO/P2O5 weight ratio from 1.6 to 1.9. In addition, the occurrence of trace elements such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, U, and Zn, as well as Cr(VI) and Cl ions at the level of mg∙kg-1 was found. Since PRs will be used to produce P-fertilizers, their composition was compared with the regulatory parameters set up by EU Regulation 2019/1009 related to the heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Hg, Cu, Zn) and Cr(VI) contents in inorganic fertilizers. The heavy metals and Cr(VI) content in all PRs did not exceed the limit values. XRD analysis revealed that fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, carbonate fluorapatite, and carbonate hydroxyapatite were the dominant minerals. The accuracy and precision of the used methods were evaluated by analysis of standard reference materials (SRM) for Western Phosphate Rock (NIST 694). The recovery was 85.3% for U and 109% for K2O, and the RSD ranged from 0.67% to 12.8%.

CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTE ROCK FROM THE PHOSPHATE MINING FIELD OF BLED EL HADBA, ALGERIA IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

In the world the demand and consumption of raw materials and minerals is sharply increasing, which has encouraged countries around the world to intensify the mining of different materials and ores such as phosphate. In Algeria, while phosphates are one of the country's most important natural resources; they are ranked third in the world in terms of proven reserves with 2,200,000 tones, mining of this ore is low. The Bled El Hadba deposit is one of the promising Djebel Onk’s deposits with 841 million tons of reserves and which starts mining in 2020. The ore is exploited by the open pit method, therefore a large quantity of waste rock will be evacuated to appropriate surfaces called waste rock dumps, and will consequently induce an increasingly serious destruction of the eco-environment. Intelligent use of solid mine waste to compensate for resource scarcity and protect the environment appears to be a necessity. The main purpose of our research work involves the characterization and environmental management of sand waste rocks from Bled El Hadba phosphate deposit. In this context, we studied a series of runs: Particle size analysis, Cleanliness by the equivalent of sand, and chemical analysis. The results obtained are promising and encouraging for the use of sand waste from the mining of phosphates from Bled El Hadba in the glass and building materials industry.

Deep Characterizations and Rietveld Refinement of Natural Phosphate Mining from Kef Esnoun, Algeria

AbstractThe main physico‐chemical properties and the underlying influence of thermal treatment on the phase composition and structural characteristics of the natural phosphate Kef Esnoun region in Djebel Onk, Algeria, are discussed in this work. The primary goal is to increase the natural phosphate value as an alternative material in heterogeneous catalysis. The phase evolution during the heat treatment of the natural phosphate was carried out at different temperatures ranging from 600 to 1000 °C. Several complementary analytical methods were used for their characterization before and after thermal treatments. The obtained results by X‐Ray Diffraction supplemented by the Rietveld method and confirmed by molecular spectroscopy have shown that the raw natural phosphate consists primarily of a fluorapatite‐type structure (Ca5(PO4)3F). Furthermore, high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction and thermal analyses have shown that dolomite which is one of the natural phosphate constituents is fully decomposed into CaO and MgO phases after heating at 700 °C. At 900 °C, the phase composition is (Ca5 (PO4)3F; 98.23 %), (MgO; 1.1 %) and (CaO; 0.67 %) with a crystallite size value of approximately 300 nm. Cell parameters increase with calcination temperatures due to the substitution of carbonate with PO4−3 groups.

Use of natural phosphate wastes in the manufacture of construction bricks

Purpose. Valorization of phosphate waste and diversification of the range of bricks by improving their mechanical properties. In this context, our work focused on the use of phosphate wastes from Djebel Onk (Tebessa) combined with clays from the Sidi Aich region (Bejaia) to manufacture a new variety of brick. The principle consists in varying the percentage of these wastes and the firing temperature. Methodology. After mechanical preparation in the laboratory, which consists of crushing, grinding and sieving operations, the two materials of phosphate and clays are characterized by several analysis techniques (XRD, IR and XRF). The brick manufacturing tests from these two materials were carried out for different weight percentages and for different firing temperatures. Findings. The combination of these two materials constitutes a new approach to the recovery of natural phosphates, which has a very high waste rate. Tests of making bricks from these two materials have yielded promising results. From a mechanical point of view, the best flexural strengths obtained at a temperature of 900 C vary from 3 to 5 MPa depending on the type of phosphate/clay mixture. The same goes for the compressive strength, which varies from 15 to 27 MPa depending on the type of mixture as well. These results conform to ASTM-C674, 1999 construction standards. Originality. The use of natural phosphate wastes from Djebel Onk in various proportions has resulted in a quality of brick that meets the international standards. Practical value. The mechanical properties of the brick made from these two materials, such as resistance to bending and compression constitutes a real significant recovery for the phosphate wastes from Djebel Onk.

Phosphate Amendments for the Inhibition of Acid Mine Drainage Generated from Sidi Kamber Tailings Facility

The aims of this paper was to evaluate the efficiency of phosphates product and by-products from the Djebel Onk mine for the control of acidic mine drainage generated by exposure of Sidi Kamber mine tailings to climatic conditions. Kinetic tests in humidity cells were carried out according to the modified ASTM standard, was used to invistigate the geochemical behaviour of the Sidi Kamber tailings mixed with phosphate materials (phosphatic limestone wastes, raw low grade phosphate ore and phosphate mine tailings) after being characterized. All amendment compositions led to an increase of the pH of the leachate from approximately 3 to circum-neutral values. Humidity cells experiments indicated that the materials were adequate to immobilize Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe by about 99% and prevent their release through the tailings. The tests have also shown that the metals concentrations within the leachate are lower than the limits allowed by Algerian legislation for industrial liquid effluents. Among the tested material amendments, PLW was more effective than other products in immobilizing metals. The results are most probably related to their Ca-carbonate content and/or adsorption capacity.

Removal of a basic textile dye by releases of djebel onk phosphates

Removal of a basic textile dye by releases of djebel onk phosphates

Native Bacteria Isolated from Djebel Onk Deposits (Algeria) Reveal Efficient Metal Biosorption Properties

Native Bacteria Isolated from Djebel Onk Deposits (Algeria) Reveal Efficient Metal Biosorption Properties

Passive treatment of acid mine drainage from the Sidi-Kamber mine wastes (Mediterranean coastline, Algeria) using neighbouring phosphate material from the Djebel Onk mine

Passive abiotic treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) was investigated using phosphate mining residuals (raw low-grade phosphate ore, phosphatic limestone wastes, and phosphate mine tailings) from the Djebel Onk mine, Algeria. Laboratory batch tests were performed using the main expected lithologies of phosphate materials in contact with synthetic AMD, which had a low pH (3.08) and contained high concentrations of Fe (600 mg/L), Mn (40 mg/L), Mg (10 mg/L), Zn (20 mg/L), Cu (25 mg/L), As (50 mg/L), and sulfate (3700 mg/L). Phosphate materials were used as an oxic limestone drain to evaluate the increase in the pH of the AMD and metal removal by sorption and precipitation mechanisms. The results showed that all phosphatic lithologies were efficient in the passive treatment of AMD. The pH rapidly increased from 3.08 to 8.47 during water-rock interactions. The neutralization potential comparisons also showed that the phosphatic limestone wastes neutralized more acid than other lithologies. In addition, metals were efficiently removed (95.5% to 99.9%) by all materials. The results of batch sorption tests showed that the concentrations of metals in residual leachates did not exceed the Algerian criteria for industrial liquid effluents. Overall, these findings indicate that passive systems using phosphatic materials from the Djebel Onk mine can be effective for AMD treatment. The use of these mine wastes for passive treatment of AMD would allow the development of integrated management strategies for these residual materials in the context of sustainable development of phosphate mining.

The heavy metal pollution in groundwater, surface and spring water in phosphorite mining area of Tebessa (Algeria)

The aim of this study is to measure the trace metal pollution in surface waters, spring waters and groundwater found in the Djebel Onk. The samples were analyzed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry method. The results show that the surface water, spring waters, and groundwater are contaminated by these trace metals, particularly lead, uranium, iron, lithium, selenium, and magnesium. The observed levels reflect the evidence of the bad quality of these waters (surface waters, spring waters, and groundwater), which show a higher hazard quotient measured at 1 in the groundwater. It was concluded that the consumption of these waters without treatment could have negative impacts on human health in general and that of children in particular.