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Long-term contamination in a recovered area affected by a mining spill
F J Martín Peinado1, A Romero-Freire1, I García Fernández2
1Departamento de Edafología y Química Agrícola, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, 18002 Granada, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 11, 2015
Summary
Soil pollution from the Aznalcóllar mine spill has significantly decreased over time, with pollutant levels returning to background concentrations. However, remaining tailings continue to cause localized pollution, necessitating further remediation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The Aznalcóllar mine spill in Southern Spain caused significant soil pollution.
- Previous monitoring occurred in 1998, 1999, and 2004.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term soil pollution trends following the Aznalcóllar mine spill.
- To compare 2013 soil pollutant levels with 2004 data.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented remediation measures.
Main Methods:
- Soil sampling and analysis in 2013, following previous methodologies.
- Comparison of 2013 data with historical data (2004).
- Analysis of pollutant concentrations (total and soluble) and soil pH.
Main Results:
- Soil pH generally increased, and pollutant concentrations decreased over time.
- In 2013, total pollutant concentrations were within normal ranges, and soluble concentrations were below toxic levels.
- Deficient tailings removal led to persistent, localized acidic and polluted, vegetation-free soil spots.
Conclusions:
- Remediation measures have been largely effective in reducing overall soil pollution.
- Persistent pollution hotspots from mixed tailings require further action to immobilize pollutants and restore vegetation.
- Complete tailings removal is crucial for effective long-term remediation in Mediterranean environments.
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