Biosensor-based comparison of the ecotoxicological contamination of the wastewaters of Southern Russia and Southern Germany

To assess the ecotoxicological and sanitary situation in two European metropolis, Rostov-on-Don (Southern Russia) and Munich (Southern Germany), wastewaters of the two cities were examined with a panel of bacterial lux-biosensors: Vibrio aquamarinus VKPM B-11245, Escherichia coli MG1655 (pXen7), E. coli MG1655 (pRecA-lux), E. coli MG1655 (pSoxS-lux), E. coli MG1655 (pKatG-lux), E. coli MG1655 (pIbpA-lux), E. coli MG1655 (GrpE-lux), E. coli MG1655 (pFabA-lux). The presence of different genotoxic compounds and substances with the oxidative and membrane-damaging effects was revealed in contaminated wastewater with the applied panel of the lux-biosensors. The integral toxicity was approximately the same in both cities but demonstrated opposite trends. The presence of genotoxicants and peroxides was higher in the majority of the Munich wastewater samples. There were also differences in the presence of individual toxicants. The presence of the genotoxic compounds might also promote development and dissemination of several antibiotic resistance traits found in microorganisms, a feature more pronounced in Rostov-on-Don wastewaters. By means of polymerase chain reaction assay, antibiotic resistance genes to such antibiotics as ermB, vim and vanB were revealed in two Munich samples. Antibiotic resistance genes were present at all Rostov samples, and genes ndm, vanA, vanB and ermB were found. Taken together, the proposed analytical approach with the application of the constructed panel of biosensors can be applied for monitoring of the ecotoxicological contamination in the wastewaters of large cities.     

Prediction of the long-term performance of abandoned lead zinc mine tailings in a Welsh catchment

In this study we investigated the sulphidic mine tailings from Frongoch and Grogwynion, two abandoned lead zinc mines in mid-Wales, UK. Despite falling within the same ore field the mine waste characterisation has identified differences in the tailings from the two sites. Bulk concentrations range from 10 to 52 g kg^− 1 for Pb, 1.1 to 2.9 g kg^− 1 for Zn in Grogwynion and from 1.0 to 130 g kg^− 1 for Pb, 11 to 110 g kg^− 1 for Zn in Frongoch. An experimental (European standard leaching tests TS 14429 and TS 14405) and geochemical modelling approach was used to study the leaching composition as a function of pH and liquid/solid ratio. There was little correlation between the tailings bulk metal concentrations and the leachate composition, but variations in Pb and Zn concentrations were found to be consistent with control of dissolved Pb and Zn by secondary minerals and the mechanisms of dissolution/precipitation/sorption involving them. Specifically, the Grogwynion mine tailings with near-neutral pH have predominantly lead and zinc carbonates controlling Pb and Zn solubility in the leachates, whereas the Pb and Zn concentrations in Frongoch leachates are best modelled with a surface complexation model for metal sorption to oxyhydroxides. The different speciation results in a greater sensitivity of Grogwynion tailings to acidification with a potential release of Pb in solution up to 10 times higher than in Frongoch, despite similar bulk Pb concentrations. At acid pH, Zn is similarly dissolved to a greater extent in Grogwynion than in Frongoch tailings. There was no evidence of sulphide oxidation during the batch and column leaching tests and the suitability of using these European leaching standards for the characterisation of sulphidic mine waste materials for waste management purposes has been considered.     

Municipal compost-based mixture for acid mine drainage bioremediation: Metal retention mechanisms

An upflow packed column was operated to evaluate the potential of a mixture of municipal compost and calcite to promote sulphidogenesis in the remediation of a simulated mine water at high flows (>0.1 m d⁻¹). Results showed that the pH was neutralised and metals (Fe, Al, Zn, Cu) were significantly removed. Metal removal was attributed to the combined result of precipitation as metal (oxy)hydroxides and carbonates, co-precipitation with these (oxy)hydroxides and sorption onto the compost surface rather than to precipitation as metal sulphides. The two last mechanisms are especially significant for Zn, whose hydroxide is not expected to precipitate at pH 6–7. Before the saturation of compost sorption sites, 60% of the influent Zn was estimated to have been removed by co-precipitation with Fe- and Al-(oxy)hydroxide and 40% by sorption onto the municipal compost.     

Optimization and design of a continuous biosorption process using brown algae and chitosan/PVA nano-fiber membrane for removal of nickel by a new biosorbent

In this study, nickel ions adsorption from zinc ingot factory wastewater by brown algae (Sargassum glaucescens) and chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nano-fiber membrane at continuous system was studied. The continuous process included a biosorption reactor and fixed-bed reactor that were optimized by predicting two batch steps with response surface modeling, based on the Box–Behnken in the novel approach. Nano-biosorbent characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis. Maximum biosorption in this continuous system was at pH 6, biosorbent doses 8 g L^?1 S. glaucescens and 0.48 g L^?1 nano-fiber. The study of the reaction rate showed kinetic data best fitted by pseudo-first-order model with R ² > 0.95 than pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. Biosorption equilibrium data were performed using Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm, Langmuir isotherm fit better with equilibrium data.     

Analysis of heavy metals,physicochemical parameters and effect of blending on treatability of wastewaters in Northern Ethiopia

The present study monitored textile factory, distillery, and domestic wastewaters and investigated the effects of blending on the physicochemical properties of these wastes. Findings revealed that distillery wastewaters had the highest values of all tested parameters, including heavy metals, biodegradable organics, and nutrients. Biological and chemical oxygen demands in the textile wastewater were higher than domestic wastewater, while total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and sulfate were higher in the domestic wastewater. Likewise, while higher mean concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were found in the domestic wastewater, the rest studied heavy metals did not show statistical differences (p < 0.05). This study concluded that blending improves biological treatability and effectively neutralizes the alkaline textile, acidic distillery, and domestic wastewaters at volumetric ratios of 3:1:18, respectively. This methodology will help to avoid the use of chemicals for neutralization and can be a useful entry point to establish sustainable wastewater management strategy in the developing countries. The results suggest the need for inclusion of the tested nine heavy metals in the Ethiopian standards for discharge from the distillery and domestic effluents.     

Comparison of linear and nonlinear forms of isotherm models for Zn(II) and Cu(II) sorption on a kaolinite

The most appropriate method in designing the adsorption systems and assessing the performance of the adsorption systems is to have an idea on adsorption isotherms. Comparison analysis of linear least square method and nonlinear method for estimating the isotherm parameters was made using the experimental equilibrium data of Zn(II) and Cu(II) onto kaolinite. Equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich, Langmuir, and Redlich–Peterson isotherm equations. In order to confirm the best-fit isotherms for the adsorption system, the data set using the chi-square (χ ²), combined with the values of the determined coefficient (r ²) was analyzed. Nonlinear method was found to be a more appropriate method for estimating the isotherm parameters. The best fitting isotherm was the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The Redlich–Peterson is a special case of Langmuir when the Redlich–Peterson isotherm constant g was unity. The sorption capacity of kaolinite to uptake metal ions in the increasing order was given by Cu (4.2721 mg/g)?<?Zn (4.6710 mg/g).     

Response of soil enzyme activities to synergistic effects of biosolids and plants in iron ore mine soils

Past mining activities in Swaziland have left a legacy of abandoned mine sites (iron ore, asbestos, diamond and coal mine dumps), all of which have not been reclaimed. These sites were recently (2013) considered by the country’s wastewater treatment authorities as suitable places where biosolids can be applied, firstly as a biosolids disposal alternative and, secondly, as a strategy to accelerate mine soil remediation through phytostabilization. In order to understand the effects that this might have on mine soil conditions and microbiota, two (2) plant growth trials were conducted in biosolid-treated iron mine soils and one (1) trial on undisturbed soil, under greenhouse conditions, for twelve (12) weeks. According to the results obtained, the combination of biosolids and plants led to significant improvements (p < 0.05) in parameters related to soil fertility. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase and urease soil enzyme activities were also observed. Copper and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) increased (Cu from 17.00–50.13 mg kg^?1; Zn from 7.59–96.03 mg kg^?1); however, these sludge-derived metals did not affect enzyme activities. Improvements in soil physicochemical conditions, organic matter–metal complexes, effects of plants on metals and the essentiality of Cu and Zn to soil enzymes were thought to have masked the effects of metals. Increases in soil enzyme activities were considered to be indicative of improvements in the quality, fertility health and self-purification capacity of iron mine soils due to synergistic effects of biosolids and plants.     

Sorption of heavy metal ions by a hydrous manganese oxide

Sorption of Co, Zn, Ca and Na by δ-MnO₂ was studied at 24.0 ± 0.5°C and pH 4. During the sorption of Co and Zn, Mn was released to the solution phase; however, Mn release was not detected during the sorption of Ca and Na. On the basis of crystal field theory, it is proposed that Zn may interchange with Mn²⁺ in the δ-MnO₂ structure, whereas Co may interchange with both Mn²⁺ and Mn³⁺. It is suggested that the interchangeable Mn²⁺ and Mn³⁺ sites were in the disordered layers in the δ-MnO₂ structure.Sorption of Co, Zn and Ca at pH 4 fitted single-site Langmuir isotherm expressions at all Ca concentrations, but only at concentrations greater than 10^?4 M for Co and Zn. Mn release by δ-MnO₂ at pH 4 during Co and Zn sorption also fitted single-site Langmuir isotherms. An expression for the case of multisite Langmuir sorption was derived and applied to the cases of Co and Zn sorption and to the case of Mn release during Co sorption. The data of these cases were used to calculate statistically the coefficients of multiple regression equations from which the sum of the capacities of all sites in each case were obtained. From all of these derived capacities, it is proposed that there was only one site where Ca interchanged with surface bound H. Zn was postulated to interchange not only with these bound H sites, but also with another site where it interchanged with structural Mn²⁺. Co was postulated to interchange with both of these sites, and additionally, with a third site where it interchanged with structural Mn³⁺.Using a pH-stat set at pH 4, it was determined that approximately 2 moles of H were released per mole of Co or Zn sorbed at bound H sites.     

Kinetics of DTPA extraction of Zn,Pb, and Cd from contaminated calcareous soils amended with sewage sludge

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sewage sludge (SLU) amendment on the desorption characteristics of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated calcareous soils. Three levels of SLU (0, 1, and 3% w/w) were added to the two calcareous contaminated soils. Samples were incubated for 30 days and equilibrated with 0.005 M DTPA for 0.25 to 240 h. The addition of SLU significantly increased the amount of DTPA-extractable Zn in soils. While the amounts of Cd, Pb, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and pH showed a significant increase only in 3% w/w of SLU, with the exception of Cd desorption in 1% w/w of SLU, kinetics of Zn, Pb, and Cd extraction increased together with an increase in the level of applied SLU. The best models for describing desorption data were explicitly power function and Elovich. The rate constants of Zn and Pb had significant correlations with DTPA-extractable Zn and Pb, DOC and pH, which affect Zn and Pb desorption. Also, the rate constants of Cd had significant correlations with CEC that can be deemed as equivalent to the fact that Cd desorption is controlled by surface adsorption, particularly in the lower sludge application amount. These results can be used for management of sewage sludge application in contaminated calcareous soils.     

Batch and column experiments to support heavy metals (Cu,Zn and Mn) in alluvial sediments

Laboratory batch sorption and column transport experiments were performed on heterogeneous alluvial soils with a wide range of physical characteristics from wells that are located in the region between Mogan Lake and Eymir Lake, Gölba??, Ankara. The mean values for the K _d of Cu were found to be highest in clay (32550.350 L/kg) and lowest in loamy sand (18170.76 L/kg). The minimum and maximum sorption capacity values (mean values) for Zn were found to be in clay (10985.148 mg/kg) and in silty loam (8597.14 mg/kg) units, respectively. Similarly, the minimum and maximum values for Mn were found in loamy sand (4908.695 mg/kg) and clay (7587.391 mg/kg) units. The non-linear least-squares optimization code “CXTFIT” was used to determine transport parameter values by curve-fitting. The results of the column experiments demonstrate dispersivity values within the range of 0.024–1.13 cm for soil samples.     

Short- and Long-Term Vegetative Propagation of Two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spartina</Emphasis> Species on a Salt Marsh in Southern Brazil

Spartina alterniflora and Spartina densiflora are native salt marsh plants from the Atlantic coast; their habitats in Patos Lagoon estuary (southern Brazil) are characterized by a microtidal regime (<0.5 m) and, during El Niño events, high estuarine water levels and prolonged flooding due to elevated freshwater discharge from a 200,000-km² watershed. During and between El Niño events, the vegetative propagation of these two Spartina species in the largest estuary of southern Brazil (Patos Lagoon) was evaluated by monitoring transplanted plants for 10 years (short-term study) and interpreting aerial photos of natural stands for 56 years (long-term study). During the short-term study, S. alterniflora quickly occupied mud flats (up to 208 cm year^?1) by elongation of rhizomes, whereas S. densiflora showed a modest lateral spread (up to 13 cm year^?1) and generated dense circular-shaped stands. However, moderate and strong El Niño events can promote excessive flooding and positive anomalies in the estuarine water level that reduce the lateral spread and competitive ability of S. densiflora. During the long-term study, natural stands of S. alterniflora and S. densiflora had steady lateral spread rates of 152 and 5.2 cm year^?1, respectively, over mud flats. In the microtidal marshes of the southwest Atlantic, the continuous long-term lateral expansion of both Spartina species embodies periods of intense flooding stress (moderate and strong El Niños), when there is a decrease of vegetative propagation and less stressful low water periods of fast spread over mud flats (non-El Niño periods and weak intensity El Niños).     

Comparative study on adsorption of chromium(VI) from industrial wastewater onto nature-derived adsorbents (brown coal and zeolite)

The removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater streams has received an considerable attention in recent years, since it can cause harmful effects on the environment. Several approaches, including adsorption, are recognized to tackle this problem, but unfortunately most of these processes are impressed with practical conditions of the experiments. The main objective of this study was to recognize applicable conditions for Cr(VI) removal from an industrial drainage using nature-derived adsorbents (brown coal and modified zeolite) and to make the process more adaptive by using adsorbents conjointly. Batch experiments were carried out by agitating Cr(VI) stock solution with adsorbents at room temperature. The influence of main operating parameters was explored, and the best proportion of the adsorbents was determined. Maximum sorption of Cr(VI) onto brown coal was observed at pH = 4 by adding 60 g L^?1 adsorbent to contaminated solution. In case of using zeolite, the modification process was required, and the pH indicated a weak influence in a wide range (2–8). Optimum dosage of modified zeolite for Cr(VI) removal was 10 g L^?1. The hybrid application of adsorbents with the mass ratio of brown coal/modified zeolite at (3:1) was capable of removing more than 99% of Cr(VI) from contaminated wastewater in the natural pH range of the wastewater. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by brown coal and modified zeolite followed Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. Sorption of Cr(VI) onto both brown coal and modified zeolite fitted well to pseudo-second-order rate reaction.     

Effect of Fenton process on treatment of simulated textile wastewater: optimization using response surface methodology

A large portion of water is consumed during various textile operations thereby discharging wastewaters with pollutants of huge environmental concern. The treatment of such wastewaters has promising impact in the field of environmental engineering. In this work, Fenton oxidation treatment was engaged to treat simulated textile wastewater. Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the efficiency of Fenton process. Iron dose, peroxide dose and pH were considered as input variables while the responses were taken as chemical oxygen demand and color removal. A total of 17 experiments were conducted and analyzed using second-order quadratic model. The quadratic models generated for chemical oxygen demand and color removal efficiencies were validated using analysis of variances, and it was found that the experimental data fitted the second-order model quite effectively. Analysis of variances demonstrated high values of coefficient of determination (R ²) for chemical oxygen demand and color removal efficiencies with values of 0.9904 and 0.9963 showing high conformation of predicted values to the experimental ones. Perturbation plots suggested that the iron dosage produced the maximum effect on both chemical oxygen demand and color removal efficiencies. The optimum parameters were determined as Fe²⁺ dose—550 mg/L, H₂O₂ dose—5538 mg/L, pH—3.3 with corresponding chemical oxygen demand and color removal efficiencies of 73.86 and 81.35%. Fenton process was found efficient in treatment of simulated textile wastewater, and optimization using response surface methodology was found satisfactory as well as relevant. From the present study, it can also be concluded that if this method is used as pretreatment integrated with biological treatment, it can lead to eco-friendly solution for treatment of textile wastewaters.     

Bioleaching potential of bacterial communities in historic mine waste areas

Microbial activity has the potential to alter all cultural heritage in mining and metallurgy, due to metal mobilization by leaching. This communication shows the consequences of the bioleaching ability of two natural enrichments on copper slag samples from a historic ore smelting site in Sangerhausen (Mansfeld, Südharz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany). Enrichment cultures gained from mine drainage were dominated by either the iron and sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, or by the iron-oxidizing Leptospirillum. During 35 days of bioleaching in media containing copper slag pulp, inoculated with these enrichments, the change in pH and solubilized metal concentrations of the systems were monitored. Both bacterial strains were completely different from each other in their pattern of pH variation and rates of metal solubilization. The maximum removal of Cu (1725 mg/l) and Zn (715 mg/l) from copper slag substrate was achieved with enrichment culture of A. ferrivorans SCUT-1. However, maximum Mn (207 mg/l), Pb (86 mg/l), and Ni (75 mg/l) removal was observed with enrichment culture of Leptospirillum strain YQP-1. Implications for metal mobilization along with alteration of artifacts from not only historic mining areas but also aspects of decontamination and remediation are discussed.     

Effect of pH on binding of pyrene to hydrophobic fractions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolated from lake water

In order to better understand the compositional and structural complexity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) macromolecules and provide mechanistic information on the binding of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) to DOM, we fractionated large amounts of lake water into three hydrophobic DOM-fractions. The variation of the partitioning coefficients (K _DOC) of pyrene at different pH levels was examined by florescence quenching titration. Results show that, relative to the more polar acidic DOM-fractions, the hydrophobic neutral fraction exhibits a higher sorption ability to pyrene. Generally, the sorption of pyrene to the three hydrophobic fractions is strongly pH-dependent. The K _DOC values of pyrene generally increase with decreasing pH levels, which is especially obvious in the sorption of pyrene to the fulvic acid fractions, suggesting that the binding is controlled by hydrophobic interactions. The mechanisms underlying the binding of pyrene to the hydrophobic fractions were also discussed. Our data are beneficial to further understanding the binding of HOCs to DOM and how it has been affected, which may result in more accurate predictions of K _DOC.     

Biosorption of Rare-Earth Elements and Yttrium by Heterotrophic Bacteria in an Aqueous Environment

This paper reports the results of the experimental determination of the coefficient of sorption of rare-earth elements and yttrium (REY) under conditions of acidic pH using several strains of heterotrophic bacteria (Microbacterium sp., Curtobacterium sp., Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus pumilis) that are widespread in natural and technogenic waters of the Far East (Russia). Insignificant fractionation between heavy and light rare-earth elements, negative cerium and dysprosium anomalies, and a positive europium anomaly were revealed. The selectivity of REY biosorption by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as inertia of the biosorption process under more acidic conditions of the medium, were shown.     

Immobilized <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-lactamase on Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> magnetic nanoparticles for degradation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-lactam antibiotics in wastewater

The emergence of antibiotics residues in pharmaceutical industrial wastewater has been a significant environment problem. However, current methods of treating antibiotic-polluted wastewater are inefficient, of high cost and time-consuming. In this study, highly effective enzymatic Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles were developed, which is extremely simple and can degrade antibiotics in a fast manner at a low cost. β-Lactamase, a representative enzyme for β-lactam antibiotic degradation, was covalently immobilized on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles modified with amino groups by a simple cross-linking process. The immobilized β-lactamase displayed a wider pH and temperature range for penicillin G degradation than the free enzyme. Meanwhile, the thermostability and storage stability of the immobilized β-lactamase were improved. Fifty milligrams magnetic nanoparticles immobilized with β-lactamase can thoroughly degrade 100 mL penicillin G (5–50 mg L^?1) within 5 min. Even if the β-lactamase immobilized on the nanoparticles was reused 35 times in the 5 mg L^?1 penicillin G solution, it still kept more than 95% degradation efficiency. These suggest that magnetic nanoparticles immobilized with β-lactamase have a sufficient capacity for degrading antibiotics in wastewater and will serve as a practical and economical solution to antibiotic pollution in pharmaceutical industrial wastewater treatment.     

Acid neutralization mechanisms and metal release in mine tailings: a laboratory column experiment

Mining and milling of base metal ore deposits can result in the release of metals to the environment. When sulfide minerals contained in mine tailings are exposed to oxygen and water, they oxidize and dissolve. Two principal antagonistic geochemical processes affect the migration of dissolved metals in tailings impoundments: sulfide oxidation and acid neutralization. This study focuses on acid neutralization reactions occurring in the saturated zone of tailings impoundments. To simulate conditions prevailing in many tailings impoundments, 0.1 mol/L sulfuric acid was passed continuously through columns containing fresh, unoxidized tailings, collected at Kidd Creek metallurgical site. The results of this column experiment represent a detailed temporal observation of pH, Eh, and metal concentrations. The results are consistent with previous field observations, which suggest that a series of mineral dissolution-precipitation reactions control pH and metal mobility. Typically, the series consists of carbonate minerals, Al and Fe(III) hydroxides, and aluminosilicates. In the case of Kidd Creek tailings, the dissolution series consists of ankerite-dolomite, siderite, gibbsite, and aluminosilicates. In the column experiment, three distinct pH plateaus were observed: 5.7, 4.0, and 1.3. The releases of trace elements such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were observed to be related to the pH buffering zones. High concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Co were observed at the first pH plateau (pH 5.7), whereas Cd, Cr, Pb, As, V, and Al were released as the pH of the pore water decreased to 4.0 or less.     

Adsorption capacity of iron oxide-coated gravel for landfill leachate: simultaneous study

Landfill leachate is a high-strength wastewater. If it is not managed properly, it can pollute surrounding environment. The aim of this study is to determine the simultaneous adsorption capacity of iron oxide-coated gravel for metals such as Cd(II), Cu(II), Fe(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) in high-strength leachate sample. Different operating conditions such as pH, time, and dosages were investigated to determine the kinetics and mechanism of adsorption process. Coating with iron oxide changed the external surface of gravel. The adsorption capacities increased with increased pH, and the optimum pH was found to be 7. High removal rates were observed in a short period of time. The Freundlich model fitted reasonably well to the experimental data, indicating multilayer adsorption process and the heterogeneity of the surface (R ² ranging 0.57–0.94). The Temkin model fitted well to the experimental data as well (R ² ranging 0.67–0.98), indicating that the adsorption is an exothermic process. The adsorption of ions was found to obey second-order kinetics, indicating one-step, surface-only adsorption process. The degree of metal adsorption on iron oxide-coated gravel at pH 7 was in the order Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Fe(II) > Zn(II) > Ni(II).     

Ordinary kriging and indicator kriging in the cartography of trace elements contamination in São Domingos mining site (Alentejo, Portugal)

The abandoned pyrite mine of São Domingos, in the southeast Portugal is still an acid mine drainage generator and a source for trace elements pollution. This study aims to evaluate and map the soils and sediments chemical pollution. With this purpose three test sites located in the vicinities of the mine were sampled for soils, sediments and mining waste materials. The samples were analysed for pH, organic carbon, iron oxides and total content of As, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb, U, Zn, Mn, S, Fe Al, Ca, K, Mg and P. The hyperspectral image of the test sites was acquired using the aero transported sensor HymapTM. Chemical analysis and hyperspectral images data were processed to estimate the contamination maps by multivariate data analysis, ordinary kriging, cokriging and indicator kriging methodologies.The test sites located downstream the mine open pit, are highly contaminated mainly in As, Hg, Pb and Sb, but no contamination was found in the third test site, upstream the mining site. The acid mining drainage seems to be the main spreading agent of chemical contaminants mostly originating from the mine waste materials. Factorial analysis and the geostatistical methodologies allowed several approaches for the contamination cartography of mining areas.