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Liu JL, Yao J, Tang C, Ma B, Liu X, Bashir S, Sunahara G, Duran R. A critical review on bioremediation technologies of metal(loid) tailings: Practice and policy. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 359:121003. [PMID: 38692032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Globally, most high-grade ores have already been exploited. Contemporary mining tends to focus on the extraction of lower-grade ores thereby leaving large stored tailings open to the environment. As a result, current mines have emerged as hotspots for the migration of metal(loid)s and resistance genes, thereby potentially contributing to a looming public health crisis. Therefore, the management and remediation of tailings are the most challenging issues in environmental ecology. Bioremediation, a cost-effective solution for the treatment of multi-element mixed pollution (co-contamination), shows promise for the restoration of mine tailings. This review focuses on the bioremediation technologies developed to untangle the issues of non-ferrous metal mine tailings. These technologies address the environmental risks of multi-element exposure to the ecosystem and human health risks. It provides a review and comparison of current bioremediation technologies used to mineralize metal(loid)s. The role of plant-microorganisms and their mechanisms in the remediation of tailings are also discussed. The importance of "treating waste with wastes" is crucial for advancing bioremediation technologies. This approach underscores the potential for waste materials to contribute to environmental cleanup processes. The concept of a circular economy is pertinent in this context, emphasizing recycling and reuse. There's an immediate need for international collaboration. Collaboration is needed in policy-making, funding, and data accessibility. Sharing data is essential for the growth of bioremediation globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Liu
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Chuiyun Tang
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Safdar Bashir
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083, Beijing, China; Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
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Liu JL, Yao J, Li R, Liu H, Zhu JJ, Sunahara G, Duran R. Unraveling assemblage of microbial community dwelling in Dabaoshan As/Pb/Zn mine-impacted area: A typical mountain mining area of South China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168850. [PMID: 38043811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial community assemblage includes microorganisms from the three domains including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya (Fungi), which play a crucial role in geochemical cycles of metal(loid)s in mine tailings. Mine tailings harbor vast proportions of metal(loid)s, representing a unique source of co-contamination of metal(loid)s that threaten the environment. The elucidation of the assembly patterns of microbial communities in mining-impacted ecospheres has received little attention. To decipher the microbial community assembly processes, the microbial communities from the five sites of the Dabaoshan mine-impacted area were profiled by the MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA (Bacteria and Archaea) genes and internal transcribed spacers (Fungi). Results indicated that the coexistence of 31 bacterial, 10 fungal, and 3 archaeal phyla, were mainly dominated by Mucilaginibacter, Cladophialophora, and Candidatus Nitrosotalea, respectively. The distribution of microorganisms was controlled by deterministic processes. The combination of Cu, Pb, and Sb was the main factor explaining the structure of microbial communities. Functional predicting analysis of bacteria and archaea based on the phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analyses revealed that the metabolic pathways related to arsenite transporter, arsenate reductase, and FeS cluster were important for metal detoxification. Furthermore, the ecological guilds (pathogens, symbiotrophs, and saprotrophs) of fungal communities explained 44.5 % of functional prediction. In addition, metal-induced oxidative stress may be alleviated by antioxidant enzymes of fungi communities, such as catalase. Such information provides new insights into the microbial assembly rules in co-contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Liu
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Ruofei Li
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Houquan Liu
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resources and Environment and Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sino-Hungarian Joint Laboratory of Environmental Science and Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China; Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour/E2S UPPA, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013 Pau Cedex, France
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3
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Alizadeh A, Ghorbani J, Motamedi J, Vahabzadeh G, van der Ent A, Edraki M. Soil contamination around porphyry copper mines: an example from a semi-arid climate. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:204. [PMID: 38279033 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Extraction and processing of disseminated metalliferous ores, porphyry copper in particular, results in significant tonnages of waste and can cause severe disturbances and contamination in natural ecosystems. This is particularly important in semi-arid climates where natural soils are often deprived of organic matter and nutrients. This study was conducted on seven sites around Sungun Copper Mine, northwest Iran. Soil texture, EC, pH, and concentrations of nutrients, organic matter, along with 16 metal and metalloids were measured in 94 soil samples. Results showed a gradient of contamination from low contamination in natural hillsides to high contamination in mine waste depositories, Waste Dump and Oxide Dump, alongside Pakhir and Sungun Rivers. Nutrient deficiency occurred in disturbed sites. The main contaminant point sources were Waste Dump, mine pit drainage, and Oxide Dump. The results of Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination showed elevated Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, As, Mo, Mn, Co, S concentrations, high EC, and higher sand percentage in the sites affected by mine waste and acid mine drainage. Geo-Accumulation and Potential Ecological Risk Indices indicated that Pakhir riverside, Sungun riverside, and Oxide Dump have severe to moderate levels of environmental risks. Positive correlations between certain metal elements suggest common sources and similar reaction pathways, which may contribute to their similar geochemical behaviour in transport, deposition, and interdependence. Overall, the deficiency of organic matter and nutrients along with the soil sandy texture in contaminated sites of Sungun Copper Mine are the main limiting factors in managing metal mobility and soil remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezu Alizadeh
- Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Jamshid Ghorbani
- Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Earth, Ocean, and Ecological Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Javad Motamedi
- Rangeland Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Vahabzadeh
- Department of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Antony van der Ent
- Center for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mansour Edraki
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Fischer S, Jarsjö J, Rosqvist G, Mörth CM. Catchment-scale microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) of acid mine drainage (AMD) revealed by sulfur isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118478. [PMID: 34752789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory experiments and point observations, for instance in wetlands, have shown evidence that microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) can lower sulfate and toxic metal concentrations in acid mine drainage (AMD). We here hypothesize that MSR can impact the fate of AMD in entire catchments. To test this, we developed a sulfur isotope fractionation and mass-balance method, and applied it at multiple locations in the catchment of an abandoned copper mine (Nautanen, northern Sweden). Results showed that MSR caused considerable, catchment-scale immobilization of sulfur corresponding to a retention of 27 ± 15% under unfrozen conditions in the summer season, with local values ranging between 13 ± 10% and 53 ± 18%. Present evidence of extensive MSR in Nautanen, together with previous evidence of local MSR occurring under many different conditions, suggest that field-scale MSR is most likely important also at other AMD sites, where retention of AMD may be enhanced through nature-based solutions. More generally, the developed isotope fractionation analysis scheme provides a relatively simple tool for quantification of spatio-temporal trends in MSR, answering to the emerging need of pollution control from cumulative anthropogenic pressures in the landscape, where strategies taking advantage of MSR can provide viable options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fischer
- Department of Physical Geography and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jerker Jarsjö
- Department of Physical Geography and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunhild Rosqvist
- Department of Physical Geography and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Magnus Mörth
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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Perlatti F, Martins EP, de Oliveira DP, Ruiz F, Asensio V, Rezende CF, Otero XL, Ferreira TO. Copper release from waste rocks in an abandoned mine (NE, Brazil) and its impacts on ecosystem environmental quality. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:127843. [PMID: 32777614 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the impact of an abandoned copper (Cu) mine on ecosystem environmental quality, using integrated ecological and biogeochemical analyses. Through a controlled experiment, the amount of Cu released by waste rocks, Cu adsorbed in soils, Cu geochemical behaviour and its leached amount were measured. Furthermore, to investigate the impacts of mine drainage on the adjacent ecosystem, samples of sediments, water and aquatic macroinvertebrates were analysed. We found that waste rocks still have high Cu concentration even after 30 years under weathering, ranging from 7782 to 8717 mg kg-1, associated mainly with carbonates, amorphous oxides and sulphides. It was estimated that 7.2 tonnes of Cu were released by waste rocks into the environment over last 30 years. The concentration of Cu observed in Ubari stream water was (<dl to 90 μg L-1), in sediments (28.0-1185 mg kg-1) and in macroinvertebrates (1.3-28.9 mg kg-1 d/w). The ecological indexes showed that near mine discharge a significance decrease in the density of aquatic macroinvertebrates and a significance increase of Cu in biological tissues occurs, causing disturbances in biodiversity. The results showed that, even after long periods, the waste rocks from abandoned mines still contain high levels of metal, that are gradually released into the environment through weathering and erosion, representing a potential source of environmental pollution and a clear threat to the environmental quality of adjacent ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Perlatti
- Soil Science Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; National Mining Agency - ANM, Rua Loefgren, 2225, 04040-033, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eve Pimentel Martins
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Av. Mister Hull, 2977, 60021-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pontes de Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Av. Mister Hull, 2977, 60021-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Ruiz
- Soil Science Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Verónica Asensio
- Soil Science Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Ferreira Rezende
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Av. Mister Hull, 2977, 60021-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Xosé Luis Otero
- Department of Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela - USC, Rua Lopes Gomez de Marzoa, S/n. Campus Sur, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Tiago Osório Ferreira
- Soil Science Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Av. Pádua Dias 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Punia A. Role of temperature, wind, and precipitation in heavy metal contamination at copper mines: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:4056-4072. [PMID: 33188519 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for minerals pressurizing the mining authorities to extract low-grade ore results in more mining waste and degradation of the environment. The main aim of review was to understand the role of climatic factors (temperature, wind, and precipitation) in dispersal and mobility of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetation in Cu mining region. The major source of contamination in the mining sector is tailings, overburden rocks, and abandoned mines. The contaminates or fine particles of sulfide-rich mining waste follow two major pathways for the dispersal: aerial and leaching. Sulfides on exposure to oxygen and water generate acid mine drainage which results in leaching of heavy metals. The pit water of abandoned mines is also a cause of concern which contaminates the groundwater resources. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, and wind significantly influence the paths of contaminate dispersal. In arid/semi-arid regions, high temperature forms fine-grained efflorescence salts on tailings or exposed surficial mines which are carried away by strong winds/water and contaminates the surroundings. In wet regions, the leaching of heavy metals from both tailings and overburden rocks sulfides results in environmental contamination. The application of impermeable layers is highly recommended. The climatic factors (temperature, wind, and precipitation) significantly control the dispersal and mobility of heavy metals in Cu mining region. The implementation of waste management policies and pollution control technologies is recommended after considering the climatic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Punia
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Vriens B, Seigneur N, Mayer KU, Beckie RD. Scale dependence of effective geochemical rates in weathering mine waste rock. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2020; 234:103699. [PMID: 32862071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogeochemical models for the prediction of drainage quality from full-scale mine waste-rock piles are often parameterized using data from small-scale laboratory or field experiments of short duration. Yet, many model parameters and processes (e.g., sulfide-oxidation rates) vary strongly with the spatiotemporal dimensions of the experiment: the "upscaling" of prediction models remains a critical challenge for mine-waste management worldwide. Here, we investigate scale dependence in laboratory and field experiments that spanned orders-of-magnitude in size (i.e. 2 kg to 100,000 kg) at the Antamina mine in Peru. Normalized drainage mass loading rates systematically decreased with increasing scale, irrespective of waste-rock type. A process-based reactive-transport model was used to simulate observed rates and reproduce the geochemical composition of drainage across scales. Long-term trends in drainage quality could be quantitatively reproduced when the model was parameterized with mostly scale- and experiment-specific measured bulk properties or literature values, leaving geochemical rate coefficients the sole calibrated model parameters. Analysis of these fitted parameters revealed that the scale dependence of geochemical rates was largely explained by reactive mineral surface area. This work demonstrates that practical drainage quality predictions for full-scale waste-rock piles can be established from readily available bulk parameters determined at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Vriens
- Department of Geological Sciences & Engineering, Queen's University, 36 Union Street, Kingston, ON K7L 1N6, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Seigneur
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - K Ulrich Mayer
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Roger D Beckie
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Disproportionate Water Quality Impacts from the Century-Old Nautanen Copper Mines, Northern Sweden. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12041394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pollution from small historical mining sites is usually overlooked, in contrast to larger ones. Especially in the Arctic, knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term mine waste impacts, such as metal leakage, on water quality. We study the small copper (Cu) mines of Nautanen, northern Sweden, which had been in operation for only six years when abandoned approximately 110 years ago in 1908. Measurements from field campaigns in 2017 are compared to synthesized historical measurement data from 1993 to 2014, and our results show that concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd on-site as well as downstream from the mining site are order(s) of magnitude higher than the local background values. This is despite the small scale of the Nautanen mining site, the short duration of operation, and the long time since closure. Considering the small amount of waste produced at Nautanen, the metal loads from Nautanen are still surprisingly high compared to the metal loads from larger mines. We argue that disproportionately large amounts of metals may be added to surface water systems from the numerous small abandoned mining sites. Such pollution loads need to be accounted for in sustainable assessments of total pollutant pressures in the relatively vulnerable Arctic environment.
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Liu J, Yao J, Sunahara G, Wang F, Li Z, Duran R. Nonferrous metal (loid) s mediate bacterial diversity in an abandoned mine tailing impoundment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:24806-24818. [PMID: 31240654 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Migration and transformation of toxic metal (loid) s in tailing sites inevitably lead to ecological disturbances and serious threats to the surroundings. However, the horizontal and vertical distribution of bacterial diversity has not been determined in nonferrous metal (loid) tailing ponds, especially in Guangxi China, where the world's largest and potentially most toxic sources of metal (loid) s are located. Distribution of bacterial communities was stable at horizontal levels. At the surface (0-10 cm), the stability was most attributed to Bacillus and Enterococcus, while bacterial communities at the subsurface (50 cm) were mainly contributed by Nitrospira and Sulfuricella. Variable vertical distribution of bacterial communities has led to the occurrence of specific genera and specific predicted functions (such as transcription regulation factors). Sulfurifustis (a S-oxidizing and inorganic carbon fixing bacteria) genera were specific at the surface, whereas Streptococcus-related genera were found at the surface and subsurface, but were more abundant in the latter depth. Physical-chemical parameters, such as pH, TN, and metal (loid) (As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) concentrations were the main drivers of bacterial community abundance, diversity, composition, and metabolic functions. These results increase our understanding of the physical-chemical effects on the spatial distribution of bacterial communities and provide useful insight for the bioremediation and site management of nonferrous metal (loid) tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Liu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, H9X3V9, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zifu Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
- Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau, Cedex, France
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Liu JL, Yao J, Lu C, Li H, Li ZF, Duran R, Sunahara G, Mihucz VG. Microbial activity and biodiversity responding to contamination of metal(loid) in heterogeneous nonferrous mining and smelting areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 226:659-667. [PMID: 30959450 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The combined contamination of nonferrous metal(loid) mining and smelting areas is a global issue, in need of urgent management. To our knowledge, this is the first report of microbial activities by microcalorimetry in specific nonferrous metal(loid) tailings with oligonutrition and high contents of toxic metal(loid)s. Dynamics of bacterial diversity were also characterized. Here we show that tailings had low microbial activities (Pmax = 64.1-331 μW g-1), which were accelerated by the presence of dipotassium phosphate (Pmax = 346-856 μW g-1), as measured by microcalorimetry. Frequent detection of S- and metal-resistant related genera and differences of Thiobacillus and Acidithiobacillus abundances indicated that the tailings were in an early stage of acidification. It has been further confirmed by the presence of a weak acid environment and secondary sulfur associated minerals, such as Sb2S3, FeAsS, FeS2, and CuFeS2. During the acidification process, phosphate, metal(loid)s, and microbial activity were correlated to the bacterial communities. It is suggested that the bacterial communities have metabolic capacities with a high potential for the use in management processes of multi-contaminated nonferrous metalliferous tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Liu
- School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China.
| | - Chao Lu
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China
| | - Zi-Fu Li
- School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China; Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY Group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, Research Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111, Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Victor G Mihucz
- Sino-Hungarian Joint Research Laboratory for Environmental Sciences and Health, ELTE -Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117, Budapest, Pázmány Péter stny. 1/A, Hungary
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11
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Liu JL, Yao J, Wang F, Min N, Gu JH, Li ZF, Sunahara G, Duran R, Solevic-Knudsen T, Hudson-Edwards KA, Alakangas L. Bacterial diversity in typical abandoned multi-contaminated nonferrous metal(loid) tailings during natural attenuation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:98-107. [PMID: 30669085 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Abandoned nonferrous metal(loid) tailings sites are anthropogenic, and represent unique and extreme ecological niches for microbial communities. Tailings contain elevated and toxic content of metal(loid)s that had negative effects on local human health and regional ecosystems. Microbial communities in these typical tailings undergoing natural attenuation are often very poorly examined. The diversity and inferred functions of bacterial communities were examined at seven nonferrous metal(loid) tailings sites in Guangxi (China), which were abandoned between 3 and 31 years ago. The acidity of the tailings sites rose over 31 years of site inactivity. Desulfurivibrio, which were always coupled with sulfur/sulfide oxidation to dissimilate the reduction of nitrate/nitrite, were specific in tailings with 3 years abandonment. However, genus beneficial to plant growth (Rhizobium), and iron/sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and metal(loid)-related genera (Acidiferrobacter and Acidithiobacillus) were specific within tailings abandoned for 23 years or more. The increased abundance of acid-generating iron/sulfur-oxidizing and metal(loid)-related bacteria and specific bacterial communities during the natural attenuation could provide new insights for understanding microbial ecosystem functioning in mine tailings. OTUs related to Sulfuriferula, Bacillus, Sulfurifustis, Gaiella, and Thiobacillus genera were the main contributors differentiating the bacterial communities between the different tailing sites. Multiple correlation analyses between bacterial communities and geochemical parameters indicated that pH, TOC, TN, As, Pb, and Cu were the main drivers influencing the bacterial community structures. PICRUSt functional exploration revealed that the main functions were related to DNA repair and recombination, important functions for bacterial adaptation to cope with the multi-contamination of tailings. Such information provides new insights to guide future metagenomic studies for the identification of key functions beyond metal-transformation/resistance. As well, our results offers novel outlooks for the management of bacterial communities during natural attenuation of multi-contaminated nonferrous metal(loid) tailings sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Liu
- School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ning Min
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China
| | - Ji-Hai Gu
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China
| | - Zi-Fu Li
- School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resource and Environment Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 100083, China; Equipe Environnement et Microbiologie, MELODY Group, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, IPREM UMR CNRS 5254, BP 1155, 64013, Pau Cedex, France
| | - Tatjana Solevic-Knudsen
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoseva 12, PO Box 473, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Karen A Hudson-Edwards
- Environment & Sustainability Institute and Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9DF, UK
| | - Lena Alakangas
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Geosciences, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
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12
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Distribution and Chemical Speciation of Molybdenum in River and Pond Sediments Affected by Mining Activity in Erdenet City, Mongolia. MINERALS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/min8070288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Microbiology of Molybdenum in Mining-Affected Environments. MINERALS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/min8020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Lu J, Alakangas L, Wanhainen C. Metal mobilization under alkaline conditions in ash-covered tailings. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 139:38-49. [PMID: 24681363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine element mobilization and accumulation in mill tailings under alkaline conditions. The tailings were covered with 50 cm of fly ash, and above a sludge layer. The tailings were geochemically and mineralogically investigated. Sulfides, such as pyrrhotite, sphalerite and galena along with gangue minerals such as dolomite, calcite, micas, chlorite, epidote, Mn-pyroxene and rhodonite were identified in the unoxidized tailings. The dissolution of the fly ash layer resulted in a high pH (close to 12) in the underlying tailings. This, together with the presence of organic matter, increased the weathering of the tailings and mobilization of elements in the uppermost 47 cm of the tailings. All primary minerals were depleted, except quartz and feldspar which were covered by blurry secondary carbonates. Sulfide-associated elements such as Cd, Fe, Pb, S and Zn and silicate-associated elements such as Fe, Mg and Mn were released from the depletion zone and accumulated deeper down in the tailings where the pH decreased to circum-neutral. Sequential extraction suggests that Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, S and Zn were retained deeper down in the tailings and were mainly associated with the sulfide phase. Calcium, Cr, K and Ni released from the ash layer were accumulated in the uppermost depletion zone of the tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Lu
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Lena Alakangas
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Christina Wanhainen
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
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15
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Nason P, Johnson RH, Neuschütz C, Alakangas L, Öhlander B. Alternative waste residue materials for passive in situ prevention of sulfide-mine tailings oxidation: a field evaluation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 267:245-254. [PMID: 24462894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.12.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel solutions for sulfide-mine tailings remediation were evaluated in field-scale experiments on a former tailings repository in northern Sweden. Uncovered sulfide-tailings were compared to sewage-sludge biosolid amended tailings over 2 years. An application of a 0.2m single-layer sewage-sludge amendment was unsuccessful at preventing oxygen ingress to underlying tailings. It merely slowed the sulfide-oxidation rate by 20%. In addition, sludge-derived metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, and Zn) migrated and precipitated at the tailings-to-sludge interface. By using an additional 0.6m thick fly-ash sealing layer underlying the sewage sludge layer, a solution to mitigate oxygen transport to the underlying tailings and minimize sulfide-oxidation was found. The fly-ash acted as a hardened physical barrier that prevented oxygen diffusion and provided a trap for sludge-borne metals. Nevertheless, the biosolid application hampered the application, despite the advances in the effectiveness of the fly-ash layer, as sludge-borne nitrate leached through the cover system into the underlying tailings, oxidizing pyrite. This created a 0.3m deep oxidized zone in 6-years. This study highlights that using sewage sludge in unconventional cover systems is not always a practical solution for the remediation of sulfide-bearing mine tailings to mitigate against sulfide weathering and acid rock drainage formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nason
- Division of Geosciences and Waste Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Raymond H Johnson
- Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25046, MS 964D, Denver, CO 80225-0046, USA
| | | | - Lena Alakangas
- Division of Geosciences and Waste Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Björn Öhlander
- Division of Geosciences and Waste Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
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Alakangas L, Lundberg A, Nason P. Simulation of pyrite oxidation in fresh mine tailings under near-neutral conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2245-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c2em00010e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Sima M, Dold B, Frei L, Senila M, Balteanu D, Zobrist J. Sulfide oxidation and acid mine drainage formation within two active tailings impoundments in the Golden Quadrangle of the Apuseni Mountains, Romania. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 189:624-639. [PMID: 21316846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Sulfidic mine tailings have to be classified as one of the major source of hazardous materials leading to water contamination. This study highlights the processes leading to sulfide oxidation and acid mine drainage (AMD) formation in the active stage of two tailings impoundments located in the southern part of the Apuseni Mountains, in Romania, a well-known region for its long-term gold-silver and metal mining activity. Sampling was undertaken when both impoundments were still in operation in order to assess their actual stage of oxidation and long-term behavior in terms of the potential for acid mine drainage generation. Both tailings have high potential for AMD formation (2.5 and 3.7 wt.% of pyrite equivalent, respectively) with lesser amount of carbonates (5.6 and 3.6 wt.% of calcite equivalent) as neutralization potential (ABA=-55.6 and -85.1 tCaCO(3)/1000 t ) and showed clear signs of sulfide oxidation yet during operation. Sequential extraction results indicate a stronger enrichment and mobility of elements in the oxidized tailings: Fe as Fe(III) oxy-hydroxides and oxides (transformation from sulfide minerals, leaching in oxidation zone), Ca mainly in water soluble and exchangeable form where gypsum and calcite are dissolved and higher mobility of Cu for Ribita and Pb for Mialu. Two processes leading to the formation of mine drainage at this stage could be highlighted (1) a neutral Fe(II) plume forming in the impoundment with ferrihydrite precipitation at its outcrop and (2) acid mine drainage seeping in the unsaturated zone of the active dam, leading to the formation of schwertmannite at its outcrop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Sima
- Romanian Academy, Institute of Geography, 12 Dimitrie Racovita St., Sector 2, Bucharest 023993, Romania.
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