Impact of sulphide non-ferrous ore mining and dressing activities on the environment
Titel:
Impact of sulphide non-ferrous ore mining and dressing activities on the environment
Auteur:
Panayotova, M.
Verschenen in:
Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering
Paginering:
Jaargang 32 (1997) nr. 8 pagina's 2213-2228
Jaar:
1997-09
Inhoud:
An attempt has been made to assess the impact of sulphide non-ferrous ore mining and dressing activities on the environment in the Rhodopes region, South Bulgaria. Pollution of air, water (surface and ground) and soil has been investigated. It has been found that at present air and ground water in the region are not polluted. Surface water, especially Arda river and its tributaries are polluted with heavy metals, As, S2- and CN-. Most of pollutants in the river (after collecting the whole waste water - mine and from ore-dressing activities) are in range of concentrations permitted by the Bulgarian standard for water for irrigation purposes. Cu is an exception, withconcentrations two times higher than the amount permitted. Soil is weakly polluted with Cu, Pb and Zn. The ecological risk has been assessed for aquatic life (fish and Daphnia Magna), cultivated plants and soil organisms. It has been found that heavy metals (except Fe) and As have partly additive (nearly concentration additive - for Cd and Zn) toxic action, while S2- and CN- action is antagonistic. The effect of Fe can be considered antagonistic for Daphnia Magna and partly additive for fish. As a whole, river water in the region is toxic both for fish and Daphnia Magna. Polluted water used for irrigation causes soil deterioration. Polluted soil in the area is toxic for soil organisms and for plants. Cultivating plants concentrating heavy metals (such as tobacco, cabbage, vegetable marrow, garlic, onion, lettuce, etc. and especially tobacco - the most widely spread culture in the region) is to be avoided.
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