Spatial distribution and pollution evaluation in dry riverbeds affected by mine tailings

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Dry riverbeds near Mar Menor lagoon are impacted by mine tailings.
• Heavy metal and arsenic pollution poses a risk to coastal ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate heavy metal and arsenic pollution levels, sources, and risks in four affected riverbeds.
• Assess sediment contamination impacting the Mar Menor coastal lagoon.

Main Methods:

• Sediment sampling and analysis of total/soluble metal(loid)s, ions, nitrogen, and carbon.
• Spatial distribution, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA).
• Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) calculations.

Main Results:

• Elevated concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn, and Pb found, particularly near mining sites.
• Cd and Zn linked to anthropogenic activities; Cr and Ni to parent material.
• All riverbeds classified as contaminated; significant ecological risk identified in 100% of samples from three riverbeds.

Conclusions:

• Mine wastes are the primary source of metal(loid) contamination in the riverbeds.
• Findings inform strategies to mitigate environmental impact on the Mar Menor lagoon.