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Metals and metalloids in primary gold mining districts of Western Bolivia: anthropogenic and natural sources

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Abstract

Topsoil and subsoil samples located adjacent and distant from the mining operations sites were collected. Most total metals showed no significant differences between topsoil and subsoil or proximity, suggesting that they derive from endogenous parent material. There was an increment in Hg in topsoils adjacent to the mining operation sites, indicating a deposition of Hg from the amalgamation areas. Higher values of total, extractable and soluble As were observed adjacent to the mining operation sites, probably related to the presence of residues, rich in arsenopyrite. Organic matter and clay contents control the concentrations of EDTA-extractable Cd and Zn, while soil acidity was associated with the behaviour of As, Hg and Cu. In contrast the concentration of EDTA-extractable Pb was directly affected by its total concentration. In general, soluble metals were highly independent, without significant correlations with any soil physical and chemical properties.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the Spanish National Project No: CTM2006-02812. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (Cooperation Programme between Spain and Latin America). T. Terán-Mita acknowledges an FPI grant from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Government of Spain. The authors gratefully acknowledge the administrative and logistical support from the National Service of Protected Areas of Bolivia through its Direction of National Area of Apolobamba Integrated Management.

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  1. Sustainable Use, Management, and Reclamation of Soil and Water Research Group, Department of Agrarian Science and Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII, 52, 30203, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

    Ángel Faz, Raúl Zornoza, M. Ángeles Muñoz & José A. Acosta

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  1. Ángel Faz
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  2. Raúl Zornoza
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  3. M. Ángeles Muñoz
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  4. José A. Acosta
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Correspondence to José A. Acosta.

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Faz, Á., Zornoza, R., Ángeles Muñoz, M. et al. Metals and metalloids in primary gold mining districts of Western Bolivia: anthropogenic and natural sources. Environ Earth Sci 71, 5027–5036 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2894-x

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