Solid-phase partitioning and release-retention mechanisms of copper, lead, zinc and arsenic in soils impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activities.

ABSTRACT: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations are major contributors to the Philippines' annual gold (Au) output (at least 60%). Unfortunately, these ASGM activities lacked adequate tailings management strategies, so contamination of the environment is prevalent. In this study, soil contamination with copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) due to ASGM activities in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, Philippines was investigated. The results showed that ASGM-impacted soils had Cu, Pb, Zn and As up to 3.6, 83, 73 and 68 times higher than background levels, respectively and were classified as 'extremely' polluted (CD = 30-228; PLI = 5.5-34.8). Minerals typically found in porphyry copper-gold ores like pyrite, chalcopyrite, malachite, galena, sphalerite and goethite were identifie

SUBMITTER: Tabelin CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7351430 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature