Atmospheric pollution indicated by trace elements in snow from the northern slope of Cho Oyu range,Himalayas

Samples collected from a 0.87 m snow pit at a high altitude site in the Cho Oyu range, Himalayas were measured for V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, major ions, oxygen stable isotopes, and microparticles were also measured to assist the interpretation of seasonal variation of trace elements. The trace elements show a distinct seasonality, i.e., higher concentrations during the non-monsoon season than those during the monsoon season. Significant correlation is observed between Ba and the other trace elements. Crustal enrichment factor (EF_c) analysis indicates that V, Mn, Co, Ni, Rb, Sr, and Th originate mainly from crustal dust, while anthropogenic inputs make an important contribution to the other trace elements (i.e., Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ti, Pb, Bi, and U). Evidence from air mass back trajectories suggests that atmospheric trace element pollution reaching the studied area is transported dominantly by Indian summer monsoon during the monsoon season, while it is transported mainly by the westerlies during the non-monsoon season.     

The high contents of lead in soils of northern Kosovo

A soil-based geochemical survey was carried out in an area of about 350 km² in northern Kosovo around the Zve?an Pb-Zn smelter. The concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, Th, U, Zn were determined in 452 topsoil and 82 subsoil samples. High contents of Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Zn and Cu were found in topsoil over a vast area including the Ibar and Sitnica river valleys. The highest concentrations were usually measured close to the Zve?an smelter. In some zones, the lead contents in surface soils exceeded 5000 mg/kg. Arsenic and antimony levels were usually more than 200 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, while cadmium contents were in the range 5-20 mg/kg. South of the Zve?an area, lead, antimony and cadmium pollution was strong in the densely populated urban area of Kosovska Mitrovica and along the agricultural alluvial plain of the Sitnica River. Depending on the chemical element, the pollution extended 15-22 km north and south of the Zve?an smelter. There was a progressive decrease of heavy element concentrations with increasing distance from the smelting plant. The contents of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Sb significantly decreased with soil depth; in fact, the pollution only affected the upper 50 cm of soil. Crops were affected by soil pollution and many food-stuffs exceeded the EU standards. Suggestions for soil remediation are given.     

青藏高原东南部冰川雪冰重金属元素特征

雪冰可以很好地记录大气重金属元素的含量水平。基于2015年6月在青藏高原东南部（藏东南）地区采集的4条冰川的雪坑和表层雪冰样品,分析并讨论了雪冰重金属元素特征。结果显示,Pb、Cd等重金属元素含量与高原其他地区雪冰中一致,含量总体较低,显著低于天山和阿尔卑斯山雪冰中Pb和Cd含量,与格陵兰地区雪冰Pb和Cd含量大致相当,但显著高于南极地区雪冰中Pb和Cd含量,这表明藏东南雪冰中元素含量仍代表全球背景地区大气环境状况。元素富集因子结果显示,Pb、Cr、Cd、Cu、Zn、Mo、Sn等发生强烈富集（EFs>10）,而以地壳源为主的元素如Fe、Ti、Mn、Th等则富集较弱。主成分分析表明,不同重金属元素的污染来源存在差异;结合后向气团轨迹分析,推断藏东南地区雪冰元素含量不可避免地受到南亚地区人类活动排放污染物的显著影响。目前,藏东南地区冰川呈显著退缩状态,强烈的冰川消融可释放大量的重金属元素进入河流,可能对下游地区的人类生产生活以及生态系统产生重要影响。     

青藏高原南部枪勇冰川雪冰中痕量元素的组成特征及其环境意义

为了认识青藏高原南部雪冰中痕量元素的组成特征、背景含量水平以及人为污染的可能影响,利用高分辨电感耦合等离子体质谱仪首次对2009年4月19日采自枪勇冰川一个40 cm 雪坑中 Al、 Fe、 Ba、 Cd、Co、Cr、Cu、Li、Ni、Zn、Pb、Sb、Sr、U 和 V 共15个痕量元素的浓度进行了测试和研究.分析表明,不同痕量元素之间浓度变化很大,从 Cd 的0.004 ng/g 变化到 Fe 的8628 ng/g;同一痕量元素的浓度变化范围也较大,最大值/最小值从13(Cd)变化到94(Sr).研究表明,不同痕量元素记录反映了人类活动与自然活动的不同影响.对痕量元素地壳富集系数分析表明,岩石和土壤粉尘是 Ba、Fe、Sr、Co、Cr、V 和 U 的主要来源;而人为污染是枪勇冰川中 Pb、Zn、Cu、Li、Ni、Cd 和 Sb 的一个重要来源.对比研究表明,无论是以粉尘源为主要来源的痕量元素,还是以人为源为主要来源的痕量元素,它们的浓度明显高于中亚有关地区冰川中痕量元素的浓度,更远远地高于格陵兰和南极雪冰中的相应浓度,揭示了该地区大气中痕量元素受到粉尘和人为源污染物带来的显著影响     

涡阳花沟西10号煤中微量元素的有机亲和性

为研究淮北矿区涡阳花沟西勘查区10号煤中微量元素的有机亲和性,共采集10个勘探钻孔煤样品,采用电感耦合等离子质谱仪ICP-MS分析了12种微量元素的含量;应用LECO碳硫分析仪测定了煤的总有机碳TOC,并通过两者的相关关系分析了元素的有机亲和性,结合元素的地球化学特征和煤样XRD物相鉴定结果,通过聚类分析进一步推断元素的赋存状态。结果表明:V、Cr、Co、Ni、Mo、Cd、Sb、Pb和Zn元素含量低于全国均值,没有异常富集,Be、Cu和Tl略高于全国均值;Cd具有较强的有机亲和性,Co、Zn、Be和Cr的有机亲和性较弱,V、Ni、Cu、Mo、Sb、Pb和Tl不具有机亲和性;V、Sb、Cu、Cr、Pb、Co和Ni主要以铝硅酸盐吸附态赋存,Cd主要以有机结合态赋存。      

广西铅锑矿冶炼区表层土壤重金属污染的分布规律

为了解铅锑冶炼活动对周边土壤的污染情况,通过实地采样调查和室内样品分析,对河池铅锑矿冶炼区周边土壤中重金属含量的空间分布规律进行了分析,并对该区重金属污染情况进行评价。结果表明:冶炼区表层土壤受到较高含量的Sb、Pb、Zn污染,As、Cd和Cu也有一定程度的污染。土壤中的w(Sb)、w(Pb)和w(Zn)分别为195～2034 mg/kg、259～2261 mg/kg和365～1033 mg/kg,分别达到背景值的4.8～33.3倍、3.4～29.7倍和1.4～3.9倍。冶炼区表层土壤中的重金属含量与冶炼厂的远近关系密切,Sb、As和Pb在0～400 m范围急剧衰减,400 m范围内Sb、As和Pb分别衰减了92.5%、95%、93.7%。在400～2400 m的2000 m区间Sb、As和Pb分别衰减了64.4%、80.9%、52.1%。Cd在200 m范围内衰减了88.7%,在200～2400 m范围没有显著变化。Sb、As、Cd和Pb在400～2400 m范围呈缓慢衰减,使得重金属的影响可达很远。Sb和Pb的衰减趋势高度相似,这对于Pb-Sb的全球迁移具有相关的意义。     

西藏柯月Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag多金属矿床I号矿体原生晕地球化学特征

西藏柯月Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag多金属矿床位于雅鲁藏布江缝合带（IYS）与藏南拆离系（STDS）之间的北喜马拉雅成矿带。该矿床经详查验证,4 300 m以浅的矿体赋存于日当组钙质板岩夹薄层泥晶灰岩中,严格受北东向断裂控制,但深部延伸不明。本文通过该矿床I号矿体原生晕地球化学特征分析,对此问题进行初步探讨。研究表明,前缘晕元素为Hg、As、Tl,近矿晕元素为Pb、Zn、Sb、Ag、Au、Cd、Cu、Mn,尾晕元素为Sn、In、Bi;采用改良的格里戈良分带指数法计算分带序列为In-Mn-As-Cu-Zn-Cd-Bi-Pb-Sn-Hg-Tl-Ag-Au-Sb,重心法计算分带序列为In-Mn-As-Cu-Cd-Zn-Hg-Bi-Sn-Pb-Ag-Sb-Tl-Au;同时,讨论原生晕地球化学参数变化规律,并以各元素的几何平均值累乘比建立矿体的剥蚀参数模型及矿体原生晕叠加理想模型。综合以上分析,推测矿床有多次成矿作用叠加,上部存在剥蚀至尾部的矿体,而深部可能有矿体延伸。     

Distribution of thallium and accompanying metals in tree rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from a smelter-affected area

Distribution of Tl, Zn, Cd, Pb, K, Ca, Mg and Mn and Pb isotopic composition in tree rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from an area affected by primary Zn smelting (Olkusz, southern Poland) were investigated. Elevated concentrations of Tl (up to 0.8 mg kg⁻¹) in pine trees imply that conifers tend to accumulate this metal to some extent. A generally positive relationship between soil and tree-ring Tl levels was identified. The Tl patterns in stem wood did not correspond to changes in Tl deposition; the lateral translocation of Tl in the sapwood and its accumulation at the sapwood-heartwood boundary (i.e., in the inner sapwood) is suggested. It is probable that the specific behavior of Tl in trees results from its biogeochemical analogy with K. In contrast, tree-ring patterns of Zn and Cd significantly correlated with their deposition; nevertheless, a partial shift of these metals towards the stem center cannot be excluded. The isotopic composition of Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ~ 1.172–1.184) in trees and underlying soils revealed the predominant influence of smelter emissions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ~ 1.17) on Pb contamination. Analysis of main nutrients (Ca, Mg and Mn) in wood reflected environmental changes related to acid deposition.     

云浮黄铁矿利用过程中微量毒害元素的环境化学活动性

为了解云浮黄铁矿利用过程中微量毒害元素的环境地球化学行为，客观评价它们对环境质量的影响，利用元素结合形态的连续提取实验方法，分析了云浮黄铁矿及其工业废渣中Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,As,Se,Cd,Sn,Sb,Pb和Tl等11种毒害元素的形态及化学活动性。结果表明，黄铁矿中大部分微量毒害元素都有着极强的化学活动性，各元素活动态浸出比例依次为Co96.3%,Se91.9%,Cu90.3%,Cd90.0%,Pb89.7%,Zn88.6%,Sb82.5%,Ni80.6%，Sn70%,Tl55.1%和As31.9％，元素As和Tl主要赋存于硫化物和硅酸盐矿物相中，另有少量的Cu,Pb和Sb可能赋存于碳酸盐矿物相中，其他元素则主要赋存于硫化物矿物相中。与黄铁矿相比，飞灰和灰渣中各元素可交换态和碳酸盐结合态所占的比例明显减少。废渣中各元素的化学活动性表现出很大的差别，其中Cu,Zn和Cd的化学活动性最强，活性态浸出比例在90％以上；其次是Co,Ni,Se,Pb和Tl，浸出比例在50％左右；Sb,As和Sn的稳定性较高，浸出比例分别为1％、5％和14％左右；飞灰中微量毒害元素的活动性均高于灰渣。     

Weathering of the zinc-lead lode, Dugald River, northwest Queensland: II. surface mineralogy and geochemistry

Gossans associated with the Dugald River zinc-lead lode contain anomalous concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Se, Tl and Ba and differ from those on the more pyritic Western Lode (Zn, Pb, Cu, As, Tl) and those associated with copper mineralization in the hanging wall (As, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb). Mineralogical and geochemical variations in gossans along strike reflect changes in primary ore and gangue mineralogy, particularly towards the north, where the Dugald River lode and hanging wall copper mineralization merge. Leaching of more soluble elements from the surface and re-precipitation below have resulted in large geochemical variations in the top metre of the profile.Dispersion into wall rocks has occurred over two distinct periods: hydromorphic dispersion, before erosion removed much of the gossan and surrounding Corella Formation, has resulted in very high Zn contents (up to 9%) in the footwall, whereas a more even dispersion of target and pathfinder elements into hanging and footwall rocks is from recent weathering of the slightly elevated gossan.     

青藏高原典型山地冰川中痕量元素的空间分布和来源分析

为了探究青藏高原雪冰中痕量元素的空间分布与主要来源,对2019年7—9月在青藏高原七一冰川、八一冰川、岗什卡雪峰、煤矿冰川、玉珠峰冰川、古仁河口冰川以及玉龙雪山白水河1号冰川采集的表雪样酸化后,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪（ICP-MS）测试了常量元素Al、Fe与痕量元素As、Ba、Co、Cr、Cu、Li、Mn、Mo、Pb、Sr、Tl、Zn、Cd共15种元素的含量,通过Jonckheere-Terpstra非参数检验分析痕量元素空间分布趋势。结果表明：中部煤矿冰川和玉珠峰冰川浓度最高,南部古仁河口冰川和玉龙雪山最低,东北部3条冰川居中;本研究与其他研究区关于冰川As、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd浓度对比的结果显示,青藏高原冰川中元素含量的空间分布总体趋势为：中部＞北部＞南部。富集因子分析表明,Co、Cr、Cu、Tl、Fe、Li、Mn、Mo、Sr元素主要受粉尘输入影响,Pb、Cd、Zn元素受人为源影响较大（例如有色金属冶炼、交通排放、化石燃料燃烧等）。后向轨迹结果表明,东北部3条冰川主要受东北和西北部地区影响;中部冰川元素来源复杂,以青藏高原西部和北部的粉尘输入为主,且受西部临近煤矿和交通运输影响;南部冰川主要受南亚和青藏高原西南部地区影响。研究成果将进一步丰富青藏高原雪冰痕量元素数据库,为评估人类活动对青藏高原大气环境的污染和水源区的潜在环境风险提供科学依据。     

湘中桃江锰矿废矿堆环境地球化学分析

对湘中桃江锰矿废矿堆的废石进行了主量元素、稀土元素、微量元素和重金属元素的地球化学分析。野外观察及分析结果表明:组成废矿堆的岩石主要是赋矿围岩中奥陶统黑色页岩和原生碳酸锰矿石。这些废石富含Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Tl、Sb、U等重金属元素。废石暴露地表而遭受风化分解,导致Sc、V、Cr、U、Cd、Th等重金属元素淋滤释出,在废石样品中均表现出不同程度的迁移特征,且以V、Cd、U的迁移性最为强烈。此外,黑色页岩中Ni、Cu、Zn、Pb、Tl、Sb也明显发生淋失。这些重金属元素如Cd、Tl等毒性极强,进入矿区周围不断积聚,便可能对环境造成严重的影响。故对区内分布的废矿堆作为重金属污染源应高度重视。     

Sources, distribution and storage of heavy metals in the Río Pilcomayo, Bolivia

The Río Pilcomayo rises on the Cerro Rico de Potosí precious metal-polymetallic tin deposits of Bolivia, and flows in a southeasterly direction for ca. 600 km to Bolivia's southern border with Argentina. Mining of the Potosí deposits has occurred continuously since 1545, generating large quantities of waste materials in the headwater of the basin. In addition, a tailings dam breach at the Porco mine in 1996 released an estimated 235 000 m³ of tailings and fluid into the upper reaches of the Río Pilaya, the largest tributary to the Pilcomayo.Concentrations of As, Sb, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ag, Tl and Zn in contemporary channel sediments upstream of the Pilaya confluence are significantly elevated above background values. Elevated levels appear to be associated with pyrite- and other sulphide mineral-bearing tailings materials transported more than 200 km downstream of the Potosí mines. Significant downstream declines in elemental concentrations occur within 15 km, and again between 150 and 200 km, from the mines. The initial decrease in concentrations is due to the rapid dilution of nearly pure tailings effluent released to the river from milling facilities near Potosí. The latter decrease results from a combination of geomorphic processes including the storage of sediment-borne metals within the channel bed and the influx of ‘clean’ sediment from several large tributaries. Downstream of the Pilaya confluence, concentrations of Cu, Pb, Hg and Zn are only slightly elevated above background values, and Ag, Cd, Sb and Tl cannot be distinguished from background levels. These data suggest that while the Porco tailings spill may have had a significant short-term impact on sediment and water quality along the lower reaches of the Río Pilcomayo, its longer-term impacts were limited. Metals stored and eroded from alluvial deposits of historical age in upstream reaches appear to be an important source of metals to the river today. An additional, and perhaps more significant source, is the release of tailings effluent to the river from modern milling operations. The transport of these contaminants downstream of Icla (203 km from Potosí) appears to be restricted by aggradational processes occurring in the vicinity of Puente Sucre. In addition, downstream of the confluence of the Río Pilaya, inputs of large amounts of ‘clean’ sediment have caused dilution of the metal contaminants. Data from other studies where similar geomorphic processes have occurred suggest that the metals in the upper Pilcomayo may eventually be moved downvalley as the aggradational processes are reversed and channel stabilisation occurs. Thus, the most significant impacts of metal contamination may not be realised in downstream areas for decades.     

Pb isotopic investigation of aircraft-sampled emissions from the Horne smelter (Rouyn, Québec): Implications for atmospheric pollution in northeastern North America

This study reports metal abundances and Pb isotope ratios of emissions from the Horne copper smelter, and ambient (ground level) atmosphere at Rouyn, Québec retrieved during 2-week field studies in the winter and summer seasons of 2000. Plume aerosols were sampled during horizontal and vertical passes using a DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, which typically tracked the plume up to 30 km from the stack. Samples of the ‘background’ atmospheric conditions were taken simultaneously from a ground site meteorological station located 2.5 km in the predominant upwind direction from the stack.Overall, metal concentrations (ng/m³ of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, Zn) for the in-plume samples are elevated by one or more orders of magnitude over those measured in the ground site samples. The Pb isotope compositions for the in-plume samples are extremely variable (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb range from ∼1.120 to ∼1.170) but define well-constrained linear arrays in conventional Pb-Pb isotope plots. Correlations between metal concentrations (e.g. As/Pb, Cu/Pb, Zn/Pb) and the Pb isotope data are indicative of binary mixing between two anthropogenic end members; most probably imported industrial Pb found in recycled materials, and nonradiogenic Pb derived from Archean sulfide ore deposits. Pb isotope data from the winter ground site (‘background’) samples indicate that the ground level atmosphere at Rouyn contains a mixture of Pb emitted from the Horne smelter and long-range anthropogenic Pb transported from Eurasian pollution sources. Compared to the Pb isotope composition of epiphytic lichens, snowpack, and precipitations collected in 1990 to 1999 from adjacent geographic regions, the Pb isotope results obtained here suggest that aerosols emitted from the Horne smelter are dispersed into northeastern North America. However, future studies dealing with point source apportionment for this region of the globe will be rendered difficult due to the processing at the Horne smelter of recycled material containing industrial Pb from various sources.     

The chemical and physical characteristics of heavy metals in humus and till in the vicinity of the base metal smelter at Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada

 Trace element geochemistry of humus (<0.425 mm) and till (<0.002 mm) collected in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake area, northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, provides a regional context for assessing smelter contamination in the environment. The area includes a Cu-Zn smelter known to discharge As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn. In this study, sequential extraction analyses, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analyses were used on a suite of samples to determine: (1) the chemical and physical characteristics of heavy metals in surficial sediments related to distance from the smelter, (2) criteria for assessing the relative contribution of these metals from natural and anthropogenic sources, and (3) the potential of these metals for remobilization in the environment. Humus geochemistry reflects the anthropogenic and natural component of heavy metal concentrations. Smelter-related elements show anomalously high values adjacent to the smelter, decreasing with distance until background values are reached at 70–104 km, depending on the element. In humus, Zn is associated primarily with labile phases; Hg with non-labile phases. Adjacent to the smelter, high proportions and concentrations of Zn and Hg in non-labile phases, indicative of smelter-derived particulates, are confirmed by SEM examination. The particles occur as spheres, irregular grains, and with organics. With increasing distance from the smelter, the geochemical response to bedrock composition is more obvious than the anthropogenic input. Till geochemistry reflects the natural variation imposed by bedrock composition. At highly contaminated sites (<3 km from the smelter), increased percentages of smelter-related elements in labile phases suggests heavy metals are leached from humus to the underlying sediment. Received: 5 November 1996 · Accepted: 31 March 1997     

Characteristics of heavy metal migration in the natural-anthropogenic anomalies of the North-Western Altai

The abundances and migration characteristics of the main ore and accompanying metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, and Hg) were investigated in the natural and technogenic landscapes of the North-Western Altai. Elevated metal concentrations (compared with the background and guideline values) were observed in the material of tailings of the Altai Mining and Processing Complex and Zmeinogorsk Gold Recovery Plant, as well as in the waters of anthropogenic lakes, snow cover, and vegetation. It was found that Zn and Cd are more actively transported into solutions than Pb and Cu during the oxidation dissolution of sulfides in waste heaps. The spatial migration of heavy metals was evaluated. Species-dependent features were determined in the accumulation of elements by plants in the phytocoenoses of anthropogenic ecosystems.     

Abundances and modes of occurrence of trace elements in the Çan coals (Miocene), Çanakkale-Turkey

This study presents the concentrations and modes of occurrence of trace elements in 81 coal samples from the Çan basin of northwestern Turkey. The concentration of trace elements in coal were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Additionally, traditional coal parameters were studied by proximate, ultimate, X-ray diffraction, and petrographic analyses. Twenty trace elements, including As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Co, F, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se Sn, Th, Tl, U, V, and Zn, receive much attention due to their related environmental and human health concerns. The Çan coals investigated in this study are lignite to sub-bituminous coal, with a broad range of ash yields and sulphur contents. The trace element concentrations show variety within the coal seams in the basin, and the affinities vary among locations. The concentrations of B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Co, F, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, and Zn in Çan coals are within the Swaine's worldwide concentration range, with the exception of As, Th, U, and V. On the other hand, compared with world coals, the Çan basin coals have higher contents of As, B, Cu, Co, Mo, Pb, Th, U, V, and Zn. Based on statistical analyses, most of the trace elements, except for U, show an affinity to ash yield. Elements including As, Cd, Hg, Se, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn, show a possible association with pyrite; however, the elements Se, B, and Mo can be have both organic and inorganic associations.     

Mercury and other metal and metalloid soil contamination near a Pb/Zn smelter in east Hunan province, China

The spatial distributions of contaminant metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu) and a metalloid (As) in vegetable plots and paddy fields located near a large scale Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan province, China, were investigated. Soil located 4 km from the smelter was severely contaminated, with maximum concentrations of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As as high as 2.89, 1200, 3350, 41.1, 157 and 93 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Concentrations of soil metal and As decreased with distance in the dominant wind direction. Single-factor assessment indicated pollution levels of Hg, Pb, Zn and Cd were most severe, while pollution levels for Cu and As were less severe. Results from a potential ecological risk assessment indicated high risk associated with the soil within a 4 km radius, with the contribution for each contaminant calculated as follows: Cd (70.0%), Hg (19.4%), Pb (4.8%), As (3.0%), Cu (1.7%) and Zn (1.1%). The forest soil in the nearby city park was also affected by the atmospheric depositions from smelting activities. Soil profiles demonstrated the pollutants were mostly accumulated in the upper 20 cm layer. Contamination of the topsoil with Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As indicated remediation should be considered.     

Spatial distribution of trace elements in floodplain alluvium of the upper Blackfoot River,Montana

The Mike Horse Mine tailings dam in western Montana was partially breached in 1975 due to heavy rainfall and a failed drainage bypass. Approximately 90,000 tons of metal and arsenic-enriched tailings flowed into Beartrap Creek and the Blackfoot River. The spatial distribution of trace elements As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in floodplain alluvium of the upper Blackfoot River were examined along 20 transects in the upper 105 river kilometers downstream from the tailings dam. Trace element concentrations decrease with distance from the failed dam, with As reaching background concentrations 15 km from the Mike Horse dam, Cd and Pb at 21 km, Cu at 31 km, and Mn and Zn at 37 km. Distance from the Mike Horse tailings dam and mine area is the dominating factor in explaining trace element levels, with R ² values ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. Maximum floodplain trace element concentrations in the upper basin exceed US. EPA ecological screening levels for plants, birds and other mammals, and reflect adverse hazard quotients for exposure to As and Mn for ATV/motorcycle use. Trace element concentrations in channel bank and bed alluvium are similar to concentrations in floodplain alluvium, indicating active transport of trace elements through the river and deposition on the floodplain. The fine fraction (<2 mm) of floodplain alluvium is dominated by sand-sized particles (2.0–0.05 mm), with Cu and Mn significantly correlated with silt-sized (0.05–0.002 mm) alluvium. Ongoing remediation in the headwaters area will not address metal contamination stored downstream in the channel banks and on the floodplain. Additionally, some trace elements (Cu, Mn and Zn) were conveyed farther downstream than were others (As, Cd, Pb).     

Geochemical and mineralogical haloes about the Elura Zn-Pb-Ag orebody, western New South Wales

The Elura Zn-Pb-Ag deposit, situated 43 km NNW of Cobar, western New South Wales, is hosted by the C.S.A. Siltstone, a distal turbidite sequence. Deep weathering has given rise to a bleached quartz-muscovite-kaolinite rock to a depth of approximately 80 m. Weathered bedrock is mantled by a thin (0.3–2 m) layer of soil and transported overburden which contains thin layers of maghemite-bearing gravels. Outcrop in the area is extremely poor with the insignificant gossan subcrop covered by 0.2 m of soil. The water table is presently at a depth of about 80 m. Groundwater is saline with up to 2.5% total dissolved solids.Oxidation of the orebody has resulted in the formation of a gossan and ferruginization of wall rocks. Elements associated with ore and retained at high concentration in the gossan are Ag, As, Ba, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, (Se) and Sn; much of the Zn has been leached whilst Cd and Tl are below the detection limits. Silver, Cu and Hg have been partially leached and concentrated in the supergene zone. Ferruginous wall rock contains substantial amounts of Pb, As and Ba but other element contents are substantially lower than in the gossan.Secondary dispersion from the Elura orebody is largely restricted to an interpreted paleodrainage channel SW of the orebody and has occurred in two distinct periods. Mobile elements, particularly Zn, leached during gossan formation, occur in anomalous concentrations at or near the water table. More recently, the less mobile elements Pb, As, Bi, Hg and Sb have been leached from mechanically transported fragments of ferruginized wall rock and gossan by the saline groundwaters and occur as anomalies up to 150 m from the gossan in near-surface bedrock. Copper and Zn form broad low-contrast anomalies whilst Sn is retained within the gossan.Iron-rich bands, 50–1200 mm in thickness, which are common in the weathered zone about the Elura orebody, were formed by precipitation from groundwater passing along bedding planes, shears, fractures and cracks. They have higher As, Bi, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, lower values of Ba and Sr, and similar Pb, Sb and Sn contents to the weathered siltstones. Iron may be derived from Fe-rich carbonates in the siltstones and be redeposited as goethite and minor hematite. These Fe-rich bands have trapped target and pathfinder elements which are believed to be from primary haloes rather than from the orebody or gossan.A two-stage mechanism for the formation of some secondary minerals within the weathered zone has been confirmed by stable light isotope studies. These studies have also shown that fractionation of S isotopes is minimal during gossan formation, and that a S isotopic halo in weathered bedrock may be used as an exploration tool.