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Assessment of pollution potential of the Hasangazi chromite pit (Tunceli, Turkey): implications for the natural environment

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Abstract

The Hasangazi chromite pit is an abandoned mine located to the east of the town of Pülümür (Tunceli, Turkey). The surface water that circulates in the pit flows into the Pülümür stream via the Turnadere creek. The quality of the surface water and soil from the region is important regarding the ecosystem in the Tunceli area. The open pit operations in the chromite deposits may be the cause of toxic element enrichments. To understand the effects of such pits, samples from the sediments, soil, waste material, and surface water were collected from the Hasangazi pit and its surrounding area. Samples were mineralogically and geochemically analyzed by XRD, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS methods. Mineralogical analyses showed the presence of chrysotile and plagioclase in the sediment and soil samples. These samples are also enriched in toxic elements, e.g., Cr, Ni, and Co. In particular, the Cr and Ni concentrations exceed the limits of soil pollution regulation of Turkey and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Overall the Cr, Ni, and chrysotile contents demonstrate the impact of the abandoned pit and the ultramafic rocks. Moreover, the surface water samples in the dry season have Zn concentrations above the toxic levels that may have been derived from the volcanic rocks. Environmental remediation precautions should immediately be taken around this inactive pit.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Munzur University (Project Number: YLTUB011-13). Thanks to this relevant institution for its contributions. The authors also gratefully acknowledge Dr. Halim Mutlu for earlier revisions of the manuscript. Also, Dr. James W. LaMoreaux and three anonymous reviewers are sincerely thanked for their thoughtful comments and suggestions which scientifically improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, Munzur University, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey

    Okay Çimen & Ayten Öztüfekçi Önal

  2. Geothermochronology Applied Research Centre, Munzur University, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey

    Ayten Öztüfekçi Önal

  3. Directorate of Environment and Urban Planning, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey

    Eylem Akarsu Akyol

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  1. Okay Çimen
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Correspondence to Okay Çimen.

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Çimen, O., Öztüfekçi Önal, A. & Akyol, E.A. Assessment of pollution potential of the Hasangazi chromite pit (Tunceli, Turkey): implications for the natural environment. Environ Earth Sci 77, 199 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7391-9

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