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Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Risks Associated with Tailing Dams in a Historical Gold Mining Area of Ecuador

Author

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  • Bryan Salgado-Almeida

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Arián Briones-Escalante

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Daniel Falquez-Torres

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Karla Filián-Haz

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Fredy Guzmán-Martínez

    (Mexican Geological Survey (SGM), Boulevard Felipe Angeles Km. 93.50-4, Pachuca 42083, Mexico)

  • Kenny Escobar-Segovia

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Elizabeth Peña-Carpio

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

  • Samantha Jiménez-Oyola

    (Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences FICT, ESPOL Polytechnic University ESPOL, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador)

Abstract

Tailings are a significant concern due to their potential release of toxic elements into the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, understanding their polluting potential is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. This study evaluates the contaminating potential of eight tailing dams in the upper basin of the Puyango River in southern Ecuador. A physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of the tailings was conducted. The contents of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, and Zn were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The contamination index (IC) and the risk (R I ) to the environment and population were evaluated. As a result, it was found that As, Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn exceeded the maximum permissible limits in all the samples according to Ecuadorian regulations. Six of the eight tailing dams presented very high pollution levels (21.28 < IC < 298.61), indicating a severe contamination risk. As, Sb, and Se were the most significant contributors to the index, with 29%, 31%, and 20% contribution to the overall IC, respectively. However, the risk assessment indicated a low risk (R I < 5) to both the population and the natural environment, mainly due to the distance between the tailing dams and the potential receptors. While the present risk associated with the studied tailing dams is low, there exists potential for long-term escalation.

Suggested Citation

  • Bryan Salgado-Almeida & Arián Briones-Escalante & Daniel Falquez-Torres & Karla Filián-Haz & Fredy Guzmán-Martínez & Kenny Escobar-Segovia & Elizabeth Peña-Carpio & Samantha Jiménez-Oyola, 2024. "Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Risks Associated with Tailing Dams in a Historical Gold Mining Area of Ecuador," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2024:i:8:p:105-:d:1442589
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lilianna Bartoszek & Renata Gruca-Rokosz & Agnieszka Pękala & Joanna Czarnota, 2022. "Heavy Metal Accumulation in Sediments of Small Retention Reservoirs—Ecological Risk and the Impact of Humic Substances Distribution," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Lenka Demková & Tomáš Jezný & Lenka Bobuľská, 2017. "Assessment of soil heavy metal pollution in a former mining area - before and after the end of mining activities," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 12(4), pages 229-236.
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