Risk of Metal Mobilization from Redevelopment Activities in Hyperarid Climates: A Laboratory Experiment and Discussion

Abstract

The reclamation and redevelopment of abandoned mine sites into parks, golf courses, and residential communities in arid and hyperarid regions has been caused, in part, to rising land costs. A laboratory experiment using three columns was monitored for 273 days to evaluate trace metal and metalloid availability. The sediment from the Three Kids Mine that was used in this study is documented to contain high levels of trace metals and metalloids. The experiment simulated agricultural activities over time to assess whether fertilizers would mobilize trapped contaminants. Results indicate that irrigation and fertilizers can provide conditions for Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu, and As to become mobile, though on a limited basis. There was an increase in Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu, and As within the first 30 days followed by a decrease at 90 days. Concentrations of Pb, Mn, and Zn increased at 273 days due to application of fertilizer-fortified waters. This study shows the potential for mobilized trace metals and metalloids to enter the wider environment after developmental activities are finished.

Copper Complexation by Dissolved Organic Matter in arid Soils: A Voltametric Study

“…Park et al examined potential wind driven transport from the mine site to surrounding residential areas. Sims and Keller (2014) [25] have examined the leachability of various elements from soils sampled from the Three Kids Mine by water and water amended with chemical fertilizer. Their results indicate the potential for the partial mobilization for some elements; however, the influence of vegetation was not examined in this study.…”