TITLE:
Contamination Potential of an Urban Mine Tailings Deposit in Central Mexico—A Preliminary Estimation
AUTHORS:
Liliana Lizárraga-Mendiola, Diana Elizabeth Ángeles-Chávez, Alberto Blanco-Piñón, Màrius Ramírez-Cardona, Francisco Javier Olguín-Coca, María del Refugio González-Sandoval
KEYWORDS:
Contamination; Dos Carlos Tailings; Mining District Pachuca-Real del Monte
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.5 No.3,
March
27,
2014
ABSTRACT: This study consisted of
a geochemical analysis of the Dos Carlos tailings’ deposit located in the
Mining District of Pachuca-Real del Monte in the state of Hidalgo, Central
Mexico. The goal of the study was to determine the potential effects of this
deposit on the environment and health of the population of the metropolitan area
of Pachuca. Sampling was conducted from the top to the base of two raised
sections at opposite ends of the deposit, and macroscopic features (profiles A
and B) of these deposits were evaluated. Subsequently, mineralogical analyses
of the collected samples were performed using X-ray diffraction and physico-chemical
analysis of the leachates. The results were compared with the maximum
permissible limits established by different national and international
standards for drinking water and hazardous waste. In addition, geochemical
modeling was conducted using PHREEQC to calculate the distribution of aqueous
species, ionic activities and saturation indices.(For more information, please
refer to the PDF.)