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- Title
Spatial distribution and sources of trace elements in sediments affected by old mining activities.
- Authors
García-Lorenzo, Mari; Pérez-Sirvent, Carmen; Martínez-Sánchez, María; Molina-Ruiz, José; Tudela, Mari
- 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.
- Subjects
TRACE elements; MINING research; METAL tailings; TAILINGS embankments; SOIL pollution; CONCEPTUAL models
- Publication
Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, 2012, Vol 184, Issue 11, p7041
- ISSN
0167-6369
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10661-011-2478-8