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Tang L, Gao W, Lu Y, Tabelin CB, Liu J, Li H, Yang W, Tang C, Feng X, Jiang J, Xue S. The formation of multi-metal(loid)s contaminated groundwater at smelting site: Critical role of natural colloids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134408. [PMID: 38678716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence and migration of colloids at smelting sites are crucial for the formation of multi-metal(loid)s pollution in groundwater. In this study, the behavior of natural colloids (1 nm-0.45 µm) at an abandoned smelting site was investigated by analyzing groundwater samples filtered through progressively decreasing pore sizes. Smelting activities in this site had negatively impacted the groundwater quality, leading to elevated concentrations of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd). The results showed that heavy metal(loid)-bearing colloids were ubiquitous in the groundwater with the larger colloidal fractions (∼75 -450 nm) containing higher abundances of pollutants. It was also observed that the predominant colloids consisted of Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), sphalerite, kaolinite, and hematite. By employing multiple analytical techniques, including leaching experiments, soil colloid characterization, and Pb stable isotope measurements, the origin of groundwater colloids was successfully traced to the topsoil colloids. Most notably, our findings highlighted the increased risk of heavy metal(loid)s migration from polluted soils into adjacent sites through the groundwater because of colloid-mediated transport of contaminants. This field-scale investigation provides valuable insights into the geochemical processes governing heavy metal(loid) behavior as well as offering pollution remediation strategies specifically tailored for contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Wenyan Gao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Yongping Lu
- China Railway Seventh Bureau Group Nanjing Engineering Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210012, China
| | - Carlito Baltazar Tabelin
- Department of Materials and Resources Engineering and Technology, College of Engineering, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- China Railway Seventh Bureau Group Nanjing Engineering Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210012, China
| | - Weichun Yang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Chongjian Tang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Xiang Feng
- Henan Academy of Geology, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Shengguo Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Hunan 410083, China.
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Qin S, Li X, Huang J, Li W, Wu P, Li Q, Li L. Inputs and transport of acid mine drainage-derived heavy metals in karst areas of Southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123243. [PMID: 38154773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution caused by acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental concern. The processes of migration and transformation of heavy metals carried by AMD are more complicated in karst areas where carbonate rocks are widely distributed. Water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments are the crucial media in which heavy metals migrate and it is important to elucidate the geochemical behavior of AMD heavy metals in these environments. This study tracked AMD heavy metals from release to migration and transformation in a natural river system in a karst mining area. AMD directly impacted the hydrochemical composition of the karst water environment, but the carbonate rock naturally neutralized the acidity of the AMD. AMD heavy metal concentrations decreased gradually after the tributaries from the mining area entered the main river, with the metals tending to accumulate in SPM and sediments. The forms in which heavy metals were present were influenced by pH and their relative concentrations. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy of sediments from the mining area suggested that the presence of an iron phase plays an important role in the fate of AMD-derived heavy metals. It is, therefore, necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of iron phase precipitation from sediments in order to control AMD-derived heavy metals in karst mining areas. This study improves our understanding of the geochemical behavior of heavy metals in karst environments and provides direction for the prevention and control of AMD in affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichan Qin
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Xuexian Li
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment(Guizhou University),Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Jiangxun Huang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Pan Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment(Guizhou University),Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Qingguang Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment(Guizhou University),Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China.
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