Transformation and mobilization of arsenic in the historic Cobalt mining camp, Ontario, Canada

Kwong, Y. T. J.; Beauchemin, Suzanne; Hossain, Mokter; Gould, W. Douglas

doi:10.1016/j.gexplo.2006.08.002

Cited by 32 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…4a), suggesting that As is incorporated in pyrite with an atomic concentration ratio As:S ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 (Table 4). Arsenic is incorporated within pyrite as shown by the mXANES spectrum with a peak at 11865 eV, which is consistent with As 1-species, as determined by Simon et al (1999) and Kwong et al (2007) (Fig. 4c).…”

Section: Mineralogical Reaction Pathwaysupporting

confidence: 76%

The Weathering of a Sulfide Orebody: Speciation and Fate of Some Potential Contaminants

Courtin-Nomade¹,

Grosbois²,

Marcus³

et al. 2009

The Canadian Mineralogist

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Various potentially toxic trace elements such as As, Cu, Pb and Zn have been remobilized by the weathering of a sulfide orebody that was only partially mined at Leona Heights, California. As a result, this body has both natural and anthropogenically modified weathering profiles only 500 m apart. The orebody is located in a heavily urbanized area in suburban Oakland, and directly affects water quality in at least one stream by producing acidic conditions and relatively high concentrations of dissolved elements (e.g., ~500 mg/L Cu, ~3700 mg/L Zn). Micrometric-scale mineralogical investigations were performed on the authigenic metal-bearing phases (less than 10 mm in size) using electron-probe micro-analysis (EPMA), micro-Raman, micro X-ray absorption spectroscopy (mXAS), scanning X-ray diffraction (mSXRD) and scanning X-ray fluorescence (mSXRF) mapping techniques. Those measurements were coupled with classical mineralogical laboratory techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Authigenic metal-bearing phases identified are mainly sulfates (jarosite, epsomite, schwertmannite), Fe (oxy-)hydroxides (goethite, hematite and poorly crystalline Fe products) and poorly crystalline Mn (hydr-)oxides. Sulfates and Fe (oxy-)hydroxides are the two main secondary products at both sites, whereas Mn (hydr-) oxides were only observed in the samples from the non-mining site. In these samples, the various trace elements show different affinities for Fe or Mn compounds. Lead is preferentially associated with Mn (hydr-)oxides and As with Fe (oxy-)hydroxides or sulfates. Copper association with Mn and Fe phases is questionable, and the results obtained rather indicate that Cu is present as individual Cu-rich grains (Cu hydroxides). Some ochreous precipitates were found at both sites and correspond to a mixture of schwertmannite, goethite and jarosite containing some potentially toxic trace elements such as Cu, Pb and Zn. According to the trace element distribution and relative abundance of the unweathered sulfides, this orebody still represents a significant reservoir of potential contaminants for the watershed, especially in the non-mining site, as a much greater proportion of sulfides is left to react and because of the lower porosity in this site.

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Section: Mineralogical Reaction Pathwaysupporting

confidence: 76%

The Weathering of a Sulfide Orebody: Speciation and Fate of Some Potential Contaminants

Courtin-Nomade¹,

Grosbois²,

Marcus³

et al. 2009

The Canadian Mineralogist

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“…Wang and Mulligan (2006) reviewed the environmental occurrence of arsenic in Canada, and reported that tailings from historic and recent gold mine operations in several regions continue to leach arsenic to surface waters resulting in concentrations more than 100 times acceptable levels, posing risk of harm to aquatic organisms. Historic silver mining in northern Ontario has also left large volumes of arsenic-bearing mine wastes that leach to nearby watercourses resulting in aqueous arsenic concentrations at least 10 times higher than Canadian drinking water standards, although the spatial extent of this exceedance appeared to be limited to within 1 km of the tailings outflow (Kwong et al 2007).…”

Section: Water Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts and prognosis of natural resource development on water and wetlands in Canada’s boreal zone

et al. 2015

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Industrial development within Canada's boreal zone has increased in recent decades. Forest management activities, pulp and paper operations, electric power generation, mining, conventional oil and gas extraction, nonconventional oil sand development, and peat mining occur throughout the boreal zone with varying impacts on water resources. We review impacts of these industries on surface water, groundwater, and wetlands recognizing that heterogeneity in the dominance of different hydrologic processes (i.e., precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, and runoff generation) across the boreal zone influences the degree of impacts on water resources. Through the application of best management practices, forest certification programs, and science-based guidelines, timber, pulp and paper, and peat industries have reduced their impacts on water resources, although uncertainties remain about long-term recovery following disturbance. Hydroelectric power developments have moved toward reducing reservoir size and creating more natural flow regimes, although impacts of aging infrastructure and dam decommissioning is largely unknown. Mineral and metal mining industries have improved regulation and practices, but the legacy of abandoned mines across the boreal zone still presents an ongoing risk to water resources. Oil and gas industries, including non-conventional resources such as oil sands, is one of the largest industrial users of water and, while significant progress has been made in reducing water use, more work is needed to ensure the protection of water resources. All industries contribute to atmospheric deposition of pollutants that may eventually be released to downstream waters. Although most industrial sectors strive to improve their environmental performance with regards to water resources, disruptions to natural flow regimes and risks of degraded water quality exist at local to regional scales in the boreal zone. Addressing the emerging challenge of managing the expanding, intensifying, and cumulative effects of industries in conjunction with other stressors, such as climate change and atmospheric pollution, across the landscape will aid in preserving Canada's rich endowment of water resources.Key words: natural resources, development, hydrology, biogeochemistry, cumulative effects, water quality, water quantity. Résumé :Le développement industriel dans la zone boréale canadienne s'est accru au cours des récentes décades. Les activités en aménagement forestier, les opérations dans les pâtes et papiers, la génération de pouvoir électrique, les mines, l'extraction de l'huile et du gaz conventionnel, le développement non conventionnel des sables bitumineux ainsi que le prélèvement de la tourbe s'effectuent sur l'ensemble de la zone boréale avec divers impacts sur les ressources hydriques. Les auteurs passent en revue les impacts de ces industries sur l'eau de surface, l'eau souterraine et les terrains humides, tout en reconnaissant que l'hétérogénéité de la dominance des différents processus ...

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“…More recently, research has focused on water chemistry and the transport of metals and metalloids in mine drainages (Kwong et al, 2007;Slowey et al, 2007a). For example, As in mine drainage from tailings in Ontario (Canada) was an order of magnitude above the Canada drinking water standard of 0.05 mg L -1 .…”

Section: Transport Of Contaminates In Wet Climatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In areas with high precipitation, the mobilization of metals begins with leaching of tailings (Moncur et al, 2005). More recent research has focused on water chemistry and the transport of metals and metalloids in mine drainage (Kwong et al, 2007;Harris et al, 2003;Leinz et al, 2006). Speciation and mobilization of metalloids and the mechanisms of transport in sediments and water are a direct result of the amount of available moisture (Kwong et al, 2007).…”

Section: Transport Of Contaminates In Wet Climatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recent research has focused on water chemistry and the transport of metals and metalloids in mine drainage (Kwong et al, 2007;Harris et al, 2003;Leinz et al, 2006). Speciation and mobilization of metalloids and the mechanisms of transport in sediments and water are a direct result of the amount of available moisture (Kwong et al, 2007). As dissolved trace elements enter a system, they tend to adsorb to suspended matter; however, they could re-dissolve farther down the system (Lewis, 1977;Riemer & Toth, 1970).…”

Section: Transport Of Contaminates In Wet Climatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mining Activities and Associated Environmental Impacts in Arid Climates: A Literature Review

Sims¹,

Hooda²,

Gillmore³

2013

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Mining operations have released measurable levels of geogenic trace metals (e.g. Cd, Cr, Pb), metalloids (e.g. As, Se), and anthropogenic chemicals (e.g. CN -, Hg) into surrounding sediments. Abandoned mining sites in hyperarid climates has not been the focus of much research compared to wet and temperate areas. Research has focused on historical mining sites in semiarid and wetter regions in the United States, south pacific and Europe. Those areas have obvious risks associated with them including aqueous phase mobilization as a result of abundant precipitation. However, many mining areas in the American Southwest and aboard are located in hyperarid regions and viewed as not having a potential for mobilization of contaminants. Seasonal storm events can mobilize sediments containing contaminates beyond a small, localized area and into the wider environment. Literature indicates that arid and hyperarid mining regions have not been studied as extensively as those in wetter climates.

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Transformation and mobilization of arsenic in the historic Cobalt mining camp, Ontario, Canada

Cited by 32 publications

References 30 publications

The Weathering of a Sulfide Orebody: Speciation and Fate of Some Potential Contaminants

The Weathering of a Sulfide Orebody: Speciation and Fate of Some Potential Contaminants

Impacts and prognosis of natural resource development on water and wetlands in Canada’s boreal zone

Mining Activities and Associated Environmental Impacts in Arid Climates: A Literature Review

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