Spatial distribution and sources of trace elements in sediments affected by old mining activities
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Updated: May 26, 2026

Deployment and Retrieval of Mineral Samplers
Published on: January 20, 2026
Mari Luz García-Lorenzo1, Carmen Pérez-Sirvent, María José Martínez-Sánchez
1Department of Petrology and Geochemistry, Faculty of Geology, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain. mglorenzo@geo.ucm.es
Abstract:
The distribution of trace elements throughout mining areas is an important issue because abandoned tailings could be a major source of environmental pollution. In order to analyze the spatial variation of trace elements in a zone where mining activities took place and to identify pollution sources in the study area, a three-step study was carried out at a regional, at a local, and a detailed scale. In addition, a conceptual model of trace elements dispersion was established and confirmed by a geographic information system. The results obtained allowed to establish points affected by primary, secondary, and tertiary contamination, according to their proximity to contamination sources and as a function of attenuation processes which could take place in the studied area.
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