Influence of copper mine on surface water quality
Journal Title: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology - Year 2007, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Aras water basin is located in northwest of Iran. Sungun mine which is the largest open-cast copper mine of Iran is located in this region and is in the primary stages of extraction. The influence of mining activity on the quality of regional surface water has been taken in to consideration in this study. Accordingly, sampling was done from 5 local streams in the study area. In order to consider the effect of flow quantity on the amount of different parameters, sampling was done in July and November 2005 when the local streams had the minimum and maximum flow rate respectively. The concentrations of major anions and cations as well as As, Mo, Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined. The results showed that the concentrations of metallic ions like aluminum, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum and iron in samples collected in July are above USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency) limits; however, mentioned concentrations are lessened remarkably in the samples collected in November. This fact is justified considering dilution of ions concentration via more amount of water in November. The chemical characteristics of water compositions on the basis of major ion concentrations were evaluated on a Schoeller and Piper diagram. Accordingly, the dominant type of water in July and November is considered to be Ca–HCO3 (calcium–bicarbonate type). Regarding Schoeller diagram, despite relatively high concentration of calcium, the current status of local surface water is acceptable for drinking purposes. By commencing mining excavation with designed capacity in near future, the minerals will come in to contact with air and water resulting in dissolution, especially in ponds, which, in turn, increases the concentration of heavy metals in surface water. Considering consequent uses of this water including drinking, irrigation, industrial, etc. precautions must be taken in to consideration.
Authors and Affiliations
G. R. Nabi Bidhendi, A. R. Karbassi, T. Nasrabadi, H. Hoveidi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP91298
- DOI -
- Views 77
- Downloads 0
Investigation on carbon monoxide in heavy traffic intersections on municipal districts
In this research, an investigation on carbone monoxide in heavy traffic intersections of Kerman municipal districts in 2003-2004 has been performed. Kerman City is located at the south-eastern part of Iran. Carbone monox...
Influence of gender and type of school on environmental attitude of teachers in Iran and India
The present study reports on secondary school teacher’s environmental attitude in India and Iran. One thousand and four teachers were selected through the stratified random sampling technique from 103 secondary schools o...
Are people willing to pay for river water quality, contingent valuation
Now a day’s water pollution has caused incoveriences for people whom live near the Pavana river in Pune city, India. The river water quality has deteriorated by major water quality parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO),...
Heavy metal fractionation in roof run off in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Runoff was collected from three different roofing materials that are commonly used for roofing in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between the months of June to August, 2004. The samples were collected in four geographical locations in...
Destroying hills in the northeastern part of Bangladesh:<br /> A qualitative assessment of extent of the problem and its probable impac
Indiscriminate cutting of hills in the Sylhet region has become a major environmental issue. The nature and life style of Sylhet intimately related with the hills are thus under the threat of a drastic imbalance in its e...