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Contaminated landslide runout deposits in rivers - Method for estimating long-term ecological risks
G Göransson1, J Norrman2, M Larson3
1Climate Adaptation, Swedish Geotechnical Institute, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 18, 2018
Summary
Landslides with contaminated soil pose a long-term ecological risk to rivers. This study presents a method to assess this risk, showing contaminated deposits can exceed environmental quality standards for years.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Landslides with contaminated soil present a significant, understudied ecological risk to surface waters.
- Previous research focused on short-term contaminant release, necessitating analysis of long-term impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a method for estimating the long-term ecological risk to water bodies from landslides carrying contaminated soil.
- To assess the probability of surface water failing to meet environmental quality standards (EQS) post-landslide.
Main Methods:
- A simplified transport model was formulated for probabilistic analysis of contaminated soil landslide impacts.
- The model was applied to a case study involving a contaminated site near the Göta Älv River in Sweden.
Main Results:
- Contaminated landslide deposits can elevate contaminant levels above EQS for extended periods.
- Erosion of deposits is a multi-year process, with highest rates occurring initially.
- Contaminated deposits act as a persistent source of pollution to downstream river systems.
Conclusions:
- Preventing landslides of contaminated soil is crucial.
- Prompt removal of contaminated landslide deposits is essential to mitigate long-term ecological damage.
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