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Zn mobility and geochemistry in surface sulfide mining soils from SE Spain
G Garcia1, J M Peñas, J I Manteca
1Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry Unit, Agriculture Science and Technology Department, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo de Alfonso XIII 48, 30203-Cartagena, Spain. gregorio.garcia@upct.es
Environmental Research
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Mining activities significantly impact soils with heavy metals like zinc. While pollution is high, the immediate environmental hazard from available zinc in SE Spain soils is moderate due to its strong association with non-available mineral fractions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Metallic mineral extraction and processing create significant soil and sediment pollution.
- Heavy metals in soils pose risks to mining areas, agriculture, and nearby communities.
- Semiarid mining regions face unique challenges in managing environmental and health hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the environmental and health risks of zinc (Zn) in surface soils from a mining area in SE Spain.
- To investigate the geochemistry and mobility of Zn under semiarid conditions.
- To determine the fractions of Zn and their potential bioavailability.
Main Methods:
- Soil samples were collected from a mining area in SE Spain.
- Mineralogical analysis was performed to identify soil components and Zn-bearing minerals.
- Sequential extraction procedures were used to determine Zn fractions and mobility.
- Soil pH and electrical conductivity were measured.
Main Results:
- Soils contained quartz, silicates, sulfates, carbonates, and sulfides, with sphalerite, goslarite, and smithsonite as key Zn minerals.
- Soil pH (4.4-4.9) and electrical conductivity (55-85 microS/cm) indicated acidic and low salinity conditions.
- Zinc was predominantly associated with primary and secondary sulfides (non-available fractions), accounting for up to 98.45% of total Zn.
- Available Zn fractions (water-soluble and exchangeable) were low, not exceeding 1.55% and 0.44% respectively.
- Concentration of sphalerite and Zn salts in surface soils is linked to capillary water flow and electrokinetic/colloidal processes driven by erosion.
Conclusions:
- Despite significant total Zn pollution, the immediate environmental hazard is assessed as moderate due to low mobility and bioavailability.
- Processes like capillary rise and erosion contribute to the concentration of Zn minerals and salts in surface soils.
- Understanding Zn geochemistry and mobility is crucial for managing risks in mining-affected semiarid environments.
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