Gold Mining Activities Research Articles

An investigation into arsenic speciation in a wetland impacted by acid mine drainage

The formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and release of toxic contaminants, such as arsenic (As), is a serious environmental problem encountered worldwide. In this study, we investigate the crucial role the Klip River wetland system plays in attenuating As arising from gold mining activities within the Witwatersrand Basin in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mining operations in the region commenced over 130 years ago and have been associated with the widespread pollution of water resources by AMD. We investigated As concentrations, bioavailability and speciation in a peat core from the Klip River wetland as well as in samples from the main tributaries and tailing storage facilities (TSFs) in the upper catchment. Total As concentrations in tributary and TSFs samples ranged between 10.1-89.9 mgkg-1 and 77.4-106 mg kg-1, respectively, with concentrations in the wetland varying between 1.91-73.8 mg kg-1. In general, As bioavailability was low in both catchment (19%) and wetland (4%) samples, with elemental associations suggesting the majority is bound in an immobile form to organic matter and sulfide. As(v) was the predominant species detected in all samples (0.0901-16.6 mg kg-1), with As(m), MMA and DMA present in lower concentrations. Strong correlations between As and S suggest that speciation and methylation are dependent on both chemical and microbial activity. The study highlights the vital role that wetlands can play in sequestering As in the environment.

Detection and mapping abandoned areas of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) using multi-sensor data on Google Earth Engine: A case study of Kuantan Singingi, Riau

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities in Kuantan Singingi, Riau have been operating over a decade without proper permits and using unsafe procedures for the environment. Mercury releases and degraded land have been the leading factors in the decreased environmental functions. ASGM activities are nomadic and secluded, posing a considerable challenge in detecting their location and extent. The aims of this study are to provide a method for detecting and mapping ASGM footprints utilizing multi-sensor data on cloud computing platforms. The detection method is performed using a supervised random forest algorithm. The result successfully mapped an ASGM footprints, estimating an area of 10,044.38 ha with 89.23% accuracy through Sentinel-1 data and an area of 12,308.57 ha with 87.25% accuracy through Sentinel-2 data. The spatial distribution of ASGM footprints is scattered over the streams and tributaries across all regions. These maps are pivotal in establishing regulatory measures for environmental restoration and preventing further expansion of degraded land.

Elevated blood mercury and haematological response in free ranging chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from gold mining areas in Zamfara State Nigeria

Gold mining and other anthropometric activities in mining areas result in pollution. Mercury toxicosis is thus a common occurrence in chickens from gold mining areas (GMAs). The study was designed to evaluate and compare haematological response in chickens (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from Anka GMAs and Gusau Non‑gold mining areas (NGMAs) of Zamfara State, Nigeria. A total of sixty adult chickens were randomly selected in six locations (thirty each in GMAs and NGMAs). Blood mercury concentration was measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) with thermal decomposition. Haematological parameters which include packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin, heterophils, lymphocytes, total white blood cell count (TWBC), monocytes and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were measured using standard procedure. Both multivariate and univariate analysis were used to measure differences while correlation and regression were also used to analyse relationship between mercury and haematological parameters. Mean PCV 23.26%, RBC 2.661 × 106/L, Haemoglobin 13.70 g/dL, TWBC 5.07 × 10 9/L, Heterophils 2.00 × 109/L and Lymphocytes 2.65 × 109/L were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in chickens from GMAs when compared with 33.39%, 3.77 × 10 6/L, 19.79 g/dL, 10.13 × 109/L, 2.82 × 109/L and 4.91 × 109/L respectively from NGMAs. However, monocytes 0.44 × 109/L and H/L Ratio 0.788 were significantly higher in chicken from GMAs when compared with 0.24 × 109/L and 0.54 from NMGAs. Hameatological parameters are direct correlates of mercury concentration. A unit increase in monocytes significantly (p < 0.05) correspond to an increase in blood Hg level by 0.262 μg/mL. In conclusion, this research suggested that mining activities in GMAs exerts deleterious impacts on chicken haematological parameters. Result of this study will be of diagnostic significance in local chicken mercury toxicosis.

GEOCHEMICAL AND MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PLACER GOLD DEPOSITS FROM CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA

Massive tailings have resulted from the extensive use of placer deposits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities. Recently, the placer deposits and their tailings have been exploited for heavy minerals. In this study, geochemical and magnetic analyses were carried out on these deposits to identify the prospect of REE (rare earth element) exploration in the materials already collected by ASGM activities. Samples were collected from ten different locations. For each location, two different fractions were prepared for analyses, i.e. the heavy mineral (HM) fraction and the panned (M60) fraction. All HM and M60 samples were subjected to magnetic susceptibility measurements, but only representative samples were subjected to x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements (for Si, Ti, Fe, Zr, and Al) and to inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements (for Eu, Tb, Dy, and Sc). The results showed that the concentrations of major elements (Ti, Fe, Zr, and Al) vary significantly from deposits along one river to another, while the concentration of Si is rather similar. Compared to M60 samples, the HM samples have higher concentrations of Ti, Fe, Zr, Al, and Sc, implying that the sluice-box separation enhances the concentration of valuable minerals. Magnetic susceptibility is found to be correlated with Fe and Sc concentrations, confirming the potential use of magnetic measurements as a complementary tool for Fe and Sc exploitation in placer deposits. It is believed that both the source rocks and the sedimentary settings of these deposits determine whether certain elements (Sc, Fe, and Zr) are present or absent in Central Kalimantan placer deposits. The prospect of exploring and exploiting Sc in these placer deposits might augment the ASGM activities in Central Kalimantan.

Mercury pollution in the soil and river water of the Ratai watershed by artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities in Pesawaran District, Lampung, Indonesia

&lt;p&gt;The high risk of mercury pollution in the Ratai watershed due to artisanal and small-scale gold mine activities in Pesawaran District, Lampung, Indonesia, was evaluated. Studies are needed to improve the understanding of the effect of heavy metal pollution, especially mercury (Hg), in soil and river water along the watershed because of erosion. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model was used to analyze the transport of mercury (Hg) from nonpoint source pollution loads to the Way Ratai River using rainfall-based erosion. Soils and river water samplings were conducted in 2020. Biophysical conditions, the land cover, and the rainfall data of the Ratai watershed were also taken into account. The results indicated that Hg concentrations in the soil and the river water were high, ranging from 0.26-28.9 mg L&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; and from 0.08-14.1 mg L&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. The reason for the high Hg contents in the soils and the river waters was the high erosion rate in the watershed. As the study area was characterized by high rainfall erosivity and low to high soil erodibility, the erosion-caused Hg contamination in soil and water can be significant if no conservation strategies are developed.&lt;/p&gt;

The impact of traditional gold mining on land use changes and vegetation index in Mandor Subwatershed, West Kalimantan

Traditional gold mining activities altered the environmental structure of the Mandor Subwatershed significantly. The expansion of critical land in the Mandor Subwatershed causes flooding due to the lack of water catchment areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of traditional gold mining on land use change in the Mandor Subwatershed. The research was conducted with a spatial analysis approach using Landsat multitemporal images from 2002, 2013, and 2022, followed by a field survey. A comparison of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) methods was used to determine the changing process of vegetation density. The accuracy of vegetation index analysis indicated that the EVI method was more accurate for identifying vegetation density than the NDVI method. Land use change from 2002 to 2022 was dominated by an increase in the land area devoted to mining and oil palm plantations. The impact of this traditional gold mining has led to significant deforestation and land degradation over the past 20 years in the Mandor Subwatershed. This affects the condition of the surrounding environment as well as human health.

Potential Impacts of Flooding on Alluvial Gold Mining Activities in Parts of Ilesha-Egbe Gold Field, Osun State, Nigeria.

The study mapped mining communities in parts of Ilesha-Egbe gold field in Osun State, South-West (SW) Nigeria, with their respective mining sites, their elevation above sea level and the average depth of mining pits in meters. This was done with a view to determining the potential impacts of flooding on mining activities in these areas. Geological map from Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer- Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER-GDEM) from Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF) and topographic map from Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) in Nigeria were used for this study. Geology and topographic maps were interpreted for drainage channels and rivers. These and other information were incorporated in mapping and interpreting the mine localities with their respective characteristics. ASTER-DEM was used to generate elevation information like DEM and slope. Stream ordering was done for the digitized drainages and buffering analysis was done for the respective mining points to determine how the mines will be affected in the event of a flood. Results indicate that the study area is well drained with abundant alluvial gold deposit with mines lying on drainage channel. In the events of flood, mine pit will be filled or partially filled with water and areas with pay-streaks easily flooded. Water runs down slope rather than infiltrates and run-off causes flooding at the lower courses of the water body and this provides for gold dust recharge downstream, opening up new gold exploitation areas.

Assessment and bioremediation of mercury pollutants by highly mercury-resistant bacteria immobilized in biochar from small-scale artisanal gold mining areas

Small-scale gold mining activities in Indonesia still use amalgamation techniques, which have the potential to cause mercury (Hg) pollution and affect the quality and number of microorganisms. Mercury-resistant bacteria can survive and adapt to mercury-exposed environments and can be developed as bioremediation agents. The bioremediation activity of these bacteria can be increased through immobilization using biochar. The results of observations of physicochemical qualities in three samples in the mining area, showed significant differences. The TOC in the rhizosphere soil sample of &lt;em&gt;Calliandra calothyrsus&lt;/em&gt; L. showed the significantly highest value at 14.5%, and the pH of the three samples indicated acidity and exhibited no difference (p&amp;lt;0.05). The highest concentration measured in the tailing sample was 9.9 ng/g (p&amp;lt;0.05). The number of heterotrophic bacteria in the rhizosphere soil was the highest at 7.2 × 10&lt;sup&gt;8&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g. On the other hand, the number of mercury-resistant bacteria in the tailing sample showed the highest value of 6.3 × 10&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g. In the selection based on the toxicity profile of 30 mercury-resistant bacteria obtained, the highest results were observed in the LMP1B5 bacterial isolate from the river sediment, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 225 and 250 mg/L, respectively. Polyphasic identification based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics using the 16S rRNA gene showed that the bacterial isolate was identified as &lt;em&gt;Escherichia fergusonii&lt;/em&gt;. The growth and mercury removal activity of &lt;em&gt;E. fergusonii&lt;/em&gt; LMP1B5 increased by 21% and 52%, respectively, after the immobilization with biochar. Thus, immobilized &lt;em&gt;E&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;em&gt; fergusonii&lt;/em&gt; LMP1B5 was effective in removing mercury pollutants.

Public health risk analysis due to consuming Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) containing heavy metals in Bakan village, Lolayan district, Bolaang Mongondow regency

Background: Gold mining activities, both legal or illegal, as well as public activities that live around Bakan River influenced the quality of water. These activities produce waste that contains heavy metals from gold production and derivative impacts of these activities. The waste then flows into the water and pollute the water and biota. People that use the water feel the impact like health problems. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the fish in Bakan river that often consumed by people. Consuming fish that exposed to heavy metals in certain concentration is very dangerous for public health. A public health risk analysis is needed to estimate the magnitude of the impact. The research location is in the river on Bakan village, Lolayan district, Bolaang Mongondow regency. The aim of the study is to determine the levels of heavy metals Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb) in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)’s organs.Methods: The type of this study is observational with Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) approach, where the number of respondents is 100 people.Results: The results showed that the concentration of Cd (0.01&lt;0.10), Cr (&lt;0.1) and Pb (0.1&lt;0.20) in fish is still below quality standard based on BPOM No. 23 of 2017. Health risk estimates obtained RQ&gt;1 for metal As and Hg.Conclusions: This study has proven that consuming Tilapia is not safe for health.

AN ANALYSIS OF MERCURY (HG) LEVELS IN RIVER WATER AROUND THE GOLD MINING AREA IN BANYUWANGI REGENCY

Mercury (Hg) is a metal that is commonly found in water and has toxic properties, so it is very dangerous for human health and the environment. Mercury in the environment can come from gold mining activities such as in Pesanggaran Village, Banyuwangi. Based on information from the surrounding community, the waste disposal flowed into the river and it was feared to affect the quality of river water in this area. This study aimed to analyze the mercury level in the river water using the UV-Visible Spectrophotometer method, where river water samples were taken from the upstream, middle, and downstream parts. Determination of mercury levels was carried out at the STIKES Banyuwangi Laboratory. The results showed that the Hg content in the river water around the gold mining area of Pesanggaran Village, Banyuwangi ranged from 0.031 to 0.033 mg/L. The Hg level of river water in this area was above the threshold and it was not recommended to use as drinking, bathing, cooking or washing. However, it is necessary to analyze Hg levels using other methods, such as the AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) method which is more expensive but more accurate results will be obtained.

Mapping Creative Amenities to Develop Tourism Potentials in a Post-Mining Area: A Case Study of Bantar Karet Village, Bogor Regency, Indonesia

In the past five years, hundreds of villages across Java have practiced tourism, including Bantar Karet, which projects tourism as a new economic structure. It has hosted gold mine activities for years by involving many villagers in non-formal mining activities. However, the ban on illegal mining activities by the government led to a search for new ways for the villagers to earn a living, leading to the operation of tourist attractions. This research discussed the socio-spatial aspect of organizing tourism in Bantar Karet Village using the creative class theory, arguing for its ability to explain the relationship between physical space and rural community development. This argument was tested using empirical data acquired through a mix-methods strategy. These include fieldwork to identify the location of tourism potential within the village, interviews with residents, and focus group discussions with key stakeholder representatives. Tourism potentials were analyzed using four creative measures, namely population, process, product, and environment. The findings subsequently showed several creative tourism traits being developed, as well as an unequal opportunity for the community to participate in tourism activities. Although the benefits to the village are still concentrated in the proximity of tourist attractions, this research confirmed the ability of tourism to enhance rural attractiveness to the creative class, facilitating their entry as tourists, residents, or employees.

The Relevance of Duration in Stakeholder Collaboration to Prevent Illegal Gold Mining in Nigeria

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of illegal gold miners and gold mining stakeholders in Zamfara, Nigeria, on the efficacy of a stakeholder collaboration in reducing illegal gold mining (IGM) activities. The study was conducted between 8 September 2020 and 16 March 2021, using a multilevel convergent mixed methods research design. Illegal gold miners identified in seven communities within Anka, Bukkuyum and Mara were invited to participate in a paper and pen survey, resulting in 605 returned questionnaires. Equally, eight stakeholders were sampled for interview. A joint display comparison of the results from the illegal gold miners and the stakeholders indicated mixed reactions in their perceptions. Both the illegal gold miners and stakeholders perceived that the short collaboration between the media and other stakeholders affected the prevention of IGM behaviour. However, compared to the miners, the stakeholders were more satisfied with the short media collaboration.

Impact of artisanal small-scale (gold and diamond) mining activities on the Offin, Oda and Pra rivers in Southern Ghana, West Africa: A scientific response to public concern

The surface water systems of Ghana serve as a major source of drinking water, besides other multi-purpose benefit of hydro-electrical power generation and transportation. Thus, the dependence and benefits from such resources are of national interest. For instance, the Pra river of the South-Western surface water system of Ghana was a major consideration for a projected 5 billion m3 water demand in the year 2020 and “African Water Vision 2025”. In recent times, the colour state of the Pra river and similar surface water bodies of the Offin and Oda rivers has attracted intense public discussion. The prime issue relates to incessant illegal artisanal gold/diamond mining on or along these rivers. In order to assess the state of these rivers, water samples were taken, and analysed at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratory (CSIR, Accra-Ghana) to investigate their physico-chemical quality. The research objective was to assess the extent of their water pollution by measuring physico-chemical parameters of turbidity, colour, pH and content of selected metals. A total of 18 preserved bottled samples [(5 from Offin river and 2 boreholes), 5 from Oda river and 5 from Pra river and 1 borehole)] were analysed, and results compared with portable water standards as defined by the WHO and CSIR (GS-175-1) of Ghana.Results on turbidity, colour, mercury and iron from the river and water samples generally exceed WHO or GS-175-1 limit. The Pra river recorded the most alarming result; range for turbidity (2,010 to 2,745 NTU), colour (3,000 to 4,500 Hz), total suspended solutes (2,240 to 2,570 mg/L) and total dissolved solutes (97.80–99.60 mg/L, excluding 319.00 to 25,440 mg/L). The Oda river shows lowest parameter values among the three rivers, as the areas have been dormant from illegal gold mining for 5 years. Current data suggests polluted river bodies and boreholes, and that none of these water resources meets the portable water consumption criteria unless treated prior to usage. As the current state of the water bodies may incur higher cost of water treatment or purification, an integrated water governance under Ghana's Ministry of Water Resource, Work and Housing, and the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency are recommended for the management of these valuable water resources.

Water quality and health risk assessments of illegal gold mining-impacted estuaries in Ghana

This study evaluated the water quality, pollution, and health risks associated with illegal gold mining activities in two estuaries (Pra and Ankobra) in the Southwestern region of Ghana. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) used for the evaluation indicated that both estuaries were in the marginal water quality category. Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) evaluation showed that turbidity (from siltation), PO 4 , Pb, Cu, and Fe contributed to the pollution of the two estuaries. The health risks index of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Hazard Index (HI) evaluated on shellfish ( Macrobrachium ) from the estuaries were above USEPA recommended threshold; therefore, there is a likelihood of human health risks impacts on the coastal dwellers surrounding the estuaries. Overall, the study buttresses the need to take urgent strategic actions to control the direct impacts of pollution on the estuarine systems and the surrounding coastal communities. • Pollution footprints observed in two estuaries of Southwestern region of Ghana • The pollution index revealed turbidity, phosphate, lead, copper and iron as main contributing drivers of the estuaries. • There is a high likelihood of human health risks impacts on surrounding coastal dwellers. • Urgent action needed to control pollution in order to safeguard the lives of the communities

Human exposure to mercury in the atmosphere and soils in Konongo: an age-old mining centre in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

The dramatic upsurge of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities in Ghana has resulted in environmental degradation, water pollution and human exposure to mercury-the main hazardous element used in gold extraction. This study evaluated the degree of human exposure to mercury based on the concentrations found in the air and soil samples taken at a resolution of 1 km2 across Konongo, a historic mining town in Ghana's Ashanti Region. The highest atmospheric mercury concentration was 193ng/m3, which is much higher than the levels the European Union and Japan allowed, which are 10ng/m3 and 40ng/m3, respectively. The concentration in the soil was 3.6mg Hg/kg, which is around ten times higher than the background concentration in nature. Additionally, the soil concentrations were higher above the worrisome levels of soil contamination in agricultural land (4mg/kg) and industrial areas (16mg/kg), respectively. Soils are extremely contaminated with mercury at sites artisanal mining activities take place. The concentrations of mercury in the air and soils were significantly higher (p < 0.5) at locations of prominent mining activities compared to areas not close to mining sites. The inhabitants of the Konongo community are therefore exposed to mercury, most likely emitted from artisanal mining activities. A non-carcinogenic risk is posed to the people by inhaling mercury vapour through the air and vapourisation from the soil. Children are exposed to a higher risk than adults as they receive higher daily doses of mercury than adults.

Metal- and antibiotic-resistant heterotrophic plate count bacteria from a gold mine impacted river: the Mooi River system, South Africa

The Wonderfonteinspruit, South Africa, is highly impacted by a century of gold mining activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical properties of the Wonderfonteinspruit and the receiving Mooi River system, the levels of antimicrobial (metals and antibiotics) resistance characteristics and heterotrophic bacteria levels in these water systems. Various physico-chemical parameters were determined. R2A agar and R2A agar supplemented with antimicrobials were used to enumerate heterotrophic bacteria. Morphologically distinct antimicrobial-resistant isolates were purified and screened for antibiotic susceptibility by a disc diffusion method. Selected isolates were identified, and minimum inhibitory concentration ranges determined. Among the antimicrobial resistant isolates, 87% were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Of these, almost 50% were resistant to more than 3 antibiotic classes. A large proportion was resistant to all 7 antibiotics tested. Phyla detected were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes. High MIC levels for metals and antibiotics were detected among all the genera. Results demonstrate potential impacts of physico-chemical properties on levels of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Metal-resistant bacteria were also resistant to multiple antibiotics, suggesting that metal pollution from mining may be responsible for co-selection and maintenance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in this aquatic system.

Петроглифы Умм-Агаиба (Хукаб-Карара). По материалам Нубийской археологической экспедиции академии наук СССР. Часть 1. Племенные знаки

This article presents the research of petroglyphs discovered by Soviet archaeologists in 1962 and 1963 in course of epigraphic studies in Wadi al-Allaqi region within the framework of the archaeological expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences. 200 hieroglyphic inscriptions were discovered in Umm-Agaib, copied and subsequently published. As for the petroglyphs, due to lack of time they were not reproduced and studied. However, the photos of the rocks in Umm-Agaib preserved in the archive of one of the expedition members, A.V. Vinogradov, allow us to make trace drawings of the petroglyphs, to study and publish them. Materials and methods. In this article we publish the so-called tribal brands (Arabic Wasm, pl. Wusum), used by the Bedouins of the Middle East (Iraq, Syria, the Arab Peninsula, Egypt, Sudan) primarily for branding camels. However, brands were also tribe symbols of sorts, and as such were often drawn on tents, clothing, or tattoos. Wasm was used by the Bedouins as a territorial marker, as well as to indicate caravan routes or the tribe’s migration. As such the brands were drawn on the rocks at the campsites. Results and discussion. This article attempts to determine the time period when tribal brands were drawn on the rocks of Umm-Agaib, as well as to answer the question of who could have left them: the Blemmyes who inhabited the Nubian desert in late Antiquity; the Arabs who migrated to the region of present-day Sudan in the 9th-11th centuries because of the active gold mining in Wadi al-Allaqi region and caravan trade that connected the Red Sea port of Aidhab with the Upper Egypt cities; or the Beja, indigenous inhabitants of the Nubian Desert. Conclusion. The author comes to the conclusion that at the current level of our knowledge of the brands left in the Nubian Desert, it’s impossible to accurately determine the time period when they were drawn. So far, we can talk about a wide time range from late Antiquity to the present.

Human health risk assessment of metals and metalloids in mining areas of the Northeast Andean foothills of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Gold mining (GM) is a major source of metals and metalloids in rivers, causing severe environmental pollution and increasing the exposure risks to the residents of surrounding areas. Mining in Ecuadorian Amazonia has dramatically increased in recent years, but its impacts on Indigenous local populations that make use of rivers are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the risks to adults and children caused by the exposure to metals and metalloids in freshwater ecosystems contaminated with tailings released by GM activities in 11 sites of the upper Napo River basin, Ecuador. We selected a carcinogenic and a noncarcinogenic risk assessment method to estimate the hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR). The concentration of Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, B, and V in water and sediment samples was considered to assess the risks to human health. The calculated HI was 23-352 times greater than the acceptable limits in all sites for both children and adults. Mn and Fe were the main contributors (75% in water and 99% in sediment) to the total calculated risk based on the HI. The calculated TCR for children and adults exceeded approximately one to three times the permissible threshold in all sites. As and Pb contributed up to 93% of the total calculated risk based on TCR for both children and adults. This study demonstrates that the emission and mobilization of metals and metalloids caused by mining activities increase the risk to human health, to which we recommend further monitoring of freshwater contamination in the area and the implementation of preventive health management measures. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:706-716. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Environmental Education Berbasis Konsep Islam dalam Mereduksi Aktivitas Kerusakan Ekologis di Kec. Hutabargot Kab. Mandailing Natal

The PKM STAIN Mandailing Natal team carried out a workshop with the theme “Environmental Education Based on Islamic Concepts in Reducing Ecological Damage Activities in Kec. Hutabargot Kab. Mandailing Natal". This workshop activity aims to provide education to the community regarding good environmental management according to Islamic concepts. The idea of implementing this workshop activity refers to the problem of low ethics and public understanding in managing the environment, excessive exploitation of nature through illegal gold mining activities so that the environment is polluted and low attention to environmental hygiene. The method used in this service is the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, which is in the form of a workshop to socialize Environmental Education through a community movement that cares about the environment to strengthen public understanding in managing the environment. Based on the evaluation of activities, the results obtained, first, the formation of cooperation between the environmental service and the district government. Hutabargot to form a waste bank management team; second, the establishment of an environmental care movement in every village to promote the importance of a healthy and clean environment; third, the creation of cooperation with religious leaders in each village to include environmental education materials in their da'wah activities as an effort to educate the community in a sustainable manner.

Karst Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Carlin-type Gold Mining Area Based on Hydrochemistry and Sulfur Isotope

Mining activities change the groundwater level and flow conditions through pumping and drainage, which enhances the interaction between groundwater and aquifer rocks; mine drainage is discharged into the surface water system, which affects the whole karst water hydrogeochemical process. Based on hydrogeochemistry and the δ34S isotope, the hydrogeochemical processes, characteristics, and main controlling factors for waste water, karst groundwater, and surface water in a typical Carlin gold mining area and its surrounding areas were revealed. The results showed that:chemical compositions of groundwater and surface water unaffected by gold mining activities were mainly controlled by the weathering of limestone and dolomitic limestone; Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3- were main ions; and the water chemical types were Ca-HCO3. The mine wastewater and its downstream receiving water were affected by the dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals, and cation exchange also played a role; the main ions were Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and SO42-, and the hydrochemical type gradually evolved from Ca-HCO3 to Ca-SO4. SO42- was the characteristic component in various water bodies affected by mining, and the concentration of SO42- gradually decreased from top to bottom in the well. The values of δ34S for unaffected groundwater and surface water were positive, and SO42- was mainly derived from realgar oxidation. Conversely, mine wastewater and downstream water were negative, SO42- was mainly influenced by the mixing action of realgar oxidation and meteoric precipitation, and pyrite also contributed to a certain extent. At the same time, NO3- came from agricultural fertilizer and rural domestic sewage discharge directly. Principal component analysis (PCA) further demonstrated:sulfide mineral oxidation and mining activities were the main controlling factors for the water chemical composition of mine wastewater and downstream water, whereas unaffected groundwater and surface water were mainly influenced by water-rock (carbonate rock) interactions. Agricultural fertilizer and rural sewage discharge also had a certain influence. Therefore, the study area should strengthen the interception of surface water, control-block-management of sulfide oxidation, rural domestic sewage treatment, and agricultural fertilizer.