29 May Communication at the International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements (1)
Title
Effect of several soil amendments on water quality in mine soils: leaching columns
Involved partners
USC, CSIC
Publication data
Carmela Monterroso, Marc Romero-Estonllo, Carlos Pascual, Beatríz Rodríguez-Garrido
International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, December, 2022, New York, USA
Abstract
In this work, the capacity of different organic amendments to improve water quality and reduce the mobility of metals in mine-tailings was evaluated. A field pilot test was carried out with leaching columns installed on an old Cu mine ore (NW of Spain) which form part of the PhytoSUDOE network. Ten columns were packed with untreated mine tailings (control) or those treated with organic amendments. In each column rhizon-samplers were installed and pore water samples were obtained by suction. Additionally, a bottom leachate sample was collected through a valve installed at the bottom of the column. Porewater and leachate from the control columns were extremely acidic and had a high concentration of Al, Fe and Cu. In these columns, no plant development was observed. The application of organic amendments improved soil conditions, which allowed the establishment of a dense cover of grasses in the rest of the columns. The combined effect of soil amendment and plant growth had a positive impact on water quality and reduced mobility of aluminum and heavy metals.
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