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

Riesgo de movilización metálica en las actividades de reurbanización en climas hiper-áridos: un experimento de laboratorio

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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.

Zusammenfassung

Die Rekultivierung von stillgelegten Bergwerken in trockenen und extrem trockenen Regionen und deren Umgestaltung in Parks, Golfplätze und Wohngebiete hat teilweise hohe Kosten verursacht. Über 273 Tage wurde ein Laborversuch, bestehend aus drei Säulen, durchgeführt um die Mobilität von Spurenmetallen und Metalloiden in solchen Gebieten zu untersuchen. In der Studie wurden Sedimente von der Three Kids Mine verwendet. Diese enthalten hohe Gehalte an Spurenmetallen und Metalloiden. Der Versuch simulierte die landwirtschaftliche Nutzung über längere Zeit und untersuchte, inwieweit die Bewässerung und die Anwendung von Düngemitteln die Mobilität von Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu und As erhöhen. Innerhalb der ersten 30 Tage zeigte sich eine Erhöhung für Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu und As, gefolgt von einem Rückgang bis 90 Tage. Bis zum Versuchsende erhöhte sich durch Zugabe von düngemittelhaltigem Wasser die Konzentration von Pb, Mn und Zn. Die vorliegende Studie zeigt, dass mobilisierte Spurenmetalle und Metalloide auch nach Fertigstellung von Sanierungsmaßnahmen das Potential haben ausgetragen zu werden.

Resumen

La recuperación y reurbanización de sitios de minas abandonadas convertidos en parques, campos de golf y comunidades residenciales dentro de regiones áridas e hiper-áridas ha sido causada, en parte, por el aumento de los costos de la tierra. Un experimento de laboratorio usando 3 columnas fue monitoreado por 273 días para evaluar la disponibilidad de trazas de metales y metaloides. El sedimento de la mina Three Kids Mine usado en este estudio contiene altos niveles de metales y metaloides traza. El experimento simuló actividades agrícolas para determinar si los fertilizantes podrían movilizar contaminantes atrapados. Los resultados indican que la irrigación y los fertilizantes pueden proveer condiciones para que Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu y As se vuelvan móviles aunque sobre una base limitada. Hubo un incremento en Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ba, Cu y As dentro de los primeros 30 días seguidos por un decrecimiento a los 90 días. Las concentraciones de Pb, Mn y Zn se incrementaron a los 273 días debido a la aplicación de aguas fortificadas con fertilizantes. Este estudio muestra el potencial de trazas de metales y metaloides para entrar en medio ambiente después de que las actividades de urbanización estén finalizadas.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Mr. Bruce Cunningham (Veritas Laboratories, Las Vegas, Nevada) for the use of his laboratory space and instruments for the analysis of samples. We would also like to thank Jeffery Smith and Dana Marie-Anat of the Bureau of Reclamation, Mead Station, for their time on site at Three Kids Mine during sampling. Finally, we thank the reviewers of this article who gave their time to improve this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Physical Sciences, College of Southern Nevada, 3200 East Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV, 89030, USA

    Douglas B. Sims & John E. Keller

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  1. Douglas B. Sims
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Correspondence to Douglas B. Sims.

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Sims, D.B., Keller, J.E. Risk of Metal Mobilization from Redevelopment Activities in Hyperarid Climates: A Laboratory Experiment and Discussion. Mine Water Environ 33, 307–316 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-014-0297-1

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