Heavy metal pollution in the Quaternary Garza Basin : A multidisciplinary study of the environmental risks posed by mining (Linares, southern Spain)

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

REY, J.

Dept. of Geology, Higher Polytechnic School, Univ of Jaen, Linares, Espagne

MARTÍNEZ, J.

Dept. of Mining Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School, Univ. of Jaen, Linares, Espagne

HIDALGO, M.C.

Dept. of Geology, Higher Polytechnic School, Univ of Jaen, Linares, Espagne

ROJAS, D.

Dept. of Geology, Higher Polytechnic School, Univ of Jaen, Linares, Espagne

Description :
The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of the mine wastes in the district of Linares (Jaén, Spain) on the quality of the soil, the surface water and the groundwater. For this purpose, a sedimentary endorheic basin in the mining district was selected as the study location : the Quaternary Garza basin. The characterisation of the basin geometry and the tailings dams in the area was conducted by electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), which was supported with data provided by mechanical probing. The ERI data indicated that the basin is bounded by fractures that cause sudden changes in the thickness of the sedimentary cover and the wedging of the layers toward the edges of the basin. Furthermore, results confirmed the absence of impervious barriers at the tailings sites, which is a situation that poses a high pollution risk for soils and waters. A geochemical characterisation of the tailings dams and the surrounding soils indicated the presence of a high concentration of metals and metalloids.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2013, vol. 110, p. 234-242, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 34 ref.

Date :
2013

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais