Hydrochemistry, mineralogy and chemical fractionation of mine and processing wastes associated with porphyry copper mines: A case study from the Sarcheshmeh mine, SE Iran

The Sarcheshmeh is one of the largest Oligo-Miocene porphyry Cu deposits in the world. Comparative hydrochemical, mineralogical and chemical fractionation associated with mining efflorescence salts and processing wastes of this mine are discussed. Hydrochemical results showed that rock waste dumps, reject wastes and old impoundments of tailings are the main sources of acid mine drainage waters (AMD) that contain potentially toxic metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn as well as Al. Episodic fluxes of highly contaminated acidic waters were produced in a tailings dam over a short period of time. Secondary soluble minerals provide important controls on the quality of AMD produced, especially in old, dry tailings impoundments. Secondary sulfate minerals such as gypsum, magnesiocopiapite, hydronium jarosite, kornelite and coquimbite were found in rock waste drainages and in old weathered reject wastes. Highly soluble secondary minerals such as gypsum, eriochalcite, and bonattite are also observed in an evaporative layer on old tailings impoundments. Chemical fractionation patterns of potentially toxic elements showed that the geochemical behavior of metals is primarily controlled by the mineralogical composition of waste samples. Elements such as Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn are readily released into the water soluble fraction from efflorescence salts associated with rock waste drainages, as well as from the evaporative layer of old tailings. Potentially toxic elements, such as As, Mo and Pb, are principally adsorbed or co-precipitated with amorphous and crystalline Fe oxides, but they may also be associated with oxidizing, primary sulfides and residual fractions. Following the development of the dammed tailings pond, the secondary minerals were dissolved, producing acidic waters contaminated by Al (154 mg L⁻¹), Cu (150 mg L⁻¹), Cd (0.31 m gL⁻¹), Co (2.13 mg L⁻¹), Mn (73.7 mg L⁻¹), Ni (1.74 mg L⁻¹), Zn (20.3 mg L⁻¹) and Cl (1690 mg L⁻¹). Therefore, the potential use of recycled water from the Sarcheshmenh dammed tailings pond is diminished by the presence of corrosive ions like Cl⁻ in highly acidic fluids that promote corrosion of pipes and pumps in the water recycling system.     

Seasonal Changes in Mayfly Communities and Abundance in Relation to Water Physicochemistry in Two Rivers at Different Elevations in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

A field study was performed at rivers in Gunung Jerai forest reserve(Kedah,Malaysia) to assess seasonal changes in mayfly community structure and abundance in relation to altitude and water physicochemistry.Rivers at lower(Batu Hampar River) and higher(Teroi River) elevations were visited through dry and wet seasons in September 2007 to August 2008.Monthly visits were made to 20 sites on each river,and water and aquatic insects were sampled using D-pond aquatic nets.Water was warmer,more acid,and more turbid in Teroi River during wet season.Ammonia was the only nutrient exhibiting significant seasonal variations(greater during wet season).Chemical oxygen demand content was higher in Teroi River where biochemical oxygen demand content was low during wet season.Species richness was higher in Batu Hampar River,but displayed seasonal variations only in Teroi River.Among the eight families encountered,Baetidae was the commonest.Baetid abundance was usually high during wet season,and those belonging to the dominant genus(Baetis) were more abundant in Teroi River.Heptageniidae was the second commonest family;its predominant genus,Thalerospyrus was more abundant in Teroi River during dry season.Caenidae,Leptophlebiidae and Oligoneuriidae were only found in Batu Hampar River where their abundances peaked during dry season,i.e.,Habrophlebiodes sp.and Isonychia sp.Ephemerellidae and Teloganodidae occurred only in Teroi River,with the first found only during dry season.Mayflies were recorded under very distinct physicochemical conditions,illustrating their potential usefulness for assessing water quality.Caenids,leptophlebids,oligoneurids ephemerellids and teloganodids seem to be particularly sensitive to temperature,acidity,turbidity,chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand,parameters that varied with river altitude.     

New ophiolite occurrences in Sudan and constraint on the western boundary of the Nubian Shield: Petrographical and geochemical evidence

Important mafic–ultramafic masses have been located for the first time in the intersection area between the Keraf Shear Zone and the Nakasib Suture Zone of the Nubian Shield. The masses, comprising most of the members of the ophiolite suite, are Sotrebab and Qurun complexes east of the Nile, and Fadllab complex west of the Nile. The new mafic–ultramafic masses are located on the same trend of the ophiolitic masses decorating the Nakasib Suture. A typical complete ophiolite sequence has not been observed in these complexes, nevertheless, the mafic–ultramafic rocks comprise basal unit of serpentinite and talc chlorite schists overlain by a thick cumulate facies of peridotites, pyroxenites and layered gabbros overlain by basaltic pillow lavas with dolerite dykes and screens of massive gabbros. Associated with pillow lavas are thin layers of carbonates and chert. The best section of cumulate mafic–ultramafic units has been observed in Jebel Qurun and El Fadlab complexes, comprising peridotites, pyroxenites and layered gabbros. Dolerite dykes and screens of massive gabbros have been observed with basaltic pillow lava sections in Wadi Dar Tawaiy. The basal ultramafic units of the complexes have been fully or partly retrograded to chlorite magnetite schist and talc to talc-carbonate rocks (listowenites), especially in the Jebel Qurun and Sotrebab complexes. Petrographically, the gabbros (layered and massive) and the basaltic pillow lavas show mineral assemblages of epidote amphibolite facies. The mafic members from the three complexes show a clear tholeiitic trend and oceanic floor affinity. The pillow lavas plot in the field of oceanic floor basalt, namely in the back arc field. Primitive mantle normalized spider diagram of the pillow lavas reveals a closer correspondence to Enrich-Mid-Oceanic Ridge Basalt (E-MORB) type, which is confirmed by the flat chondrite normalized Rare Earth Elements (REE) pattern. Field, petrographical and geochemical evidence supports ophiolitic origin of the three complexes. The newly discovered ophiolitic complexes mark the western continuation of the Nakasib Suture Zone.     

Hydrogeophysical investigation of groundwater potential in the El Bawiti, Northern Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

The future development of agriculture, industry, and civil activity planned to be in the Western Desert. This strategy need to the groundwater resource. Vertical electrical soundings (VES) and electromagnetic (TEM) measurements conducted in the El Bawiti, northern Bahariya Oasis. The measurements give detailed information about the geometry of the different hydrogeological layers in the aquifer system and depth to them. A total of 22 VES and TEM were carried out within El Bawiti area. Thirty-one sub soil samples were collected from eight sites to determine the chemical characteristics and address the effects of lithogenic source and anthropogenic activity on them. The geoelectrical measurements and borehole information indicate the presence of five geoelectrical units, from top to base; the surface cover, sand and shale, upper aquifer (Nubian sandstone), sand and shale, and lower aquifer (Nubian sandstone). Surface cover was equally distributed in thickness and composed of dry sand, gravel, and clay deposits. The regional resistivity of the upper aquifer increased in the southwestern part and decline in the northern, eastern, southern, and western parts. The decline in the resistivity reflects the high water yields and potentiality, as well as low salinity. The resistivity of the lower aquifer increased due the northwestern part and the southwestern part. The information collected during this research provides valuable data for estimating the fresh- to brackish-water resources and for development of a groundwater management plan. The integrated analyses carried out represent a significant and cost-effective method for delineating the main aquifer in this area. In turn, future well locations can be placed with more confidence than before, in accordance with the evaluation of the potentiality of the groundwater aquifers in the area. The electrical conductivity of the soil ranges from 302 to 8,490 μS/cm, increases in the western and central-northern parts. It is attributed to the location from the salt-affected soils (playa), the relatively lower elevation units (depressions) and the position in landscape in the Oasis. Sodium adsorption ratio ranges from 0.44 to 11 and the exchangeable sodium ratio ranges from 0.11 to 5. The estimated magnesium hazard fluctuated below 50%. The statistical analyses were accomplished in soil chemistry and discussed.     

Application of spectrum–area fractal model to identify of geochemical anomalies based on soil data in Kahang porphyry-type Cu deposit,Iran

The aim of this study is to identify geochemical anomalies using power spectrum–area (S–A) method based on the grade values of Cu, Mo and Au in 2709 soil samples collected from Kahang porphyry-type Cu deposit, Central Iran. S–A log–log plots indicated that there are three stages of Cu, Mo and Au enrichment. The third enrichment was considered as the main stage for the presence of Cu, Mo and Au at the concentrations above 416 ppm, 23 ppm and 71 ppb, respectively. Elemental anomalies are positively associated with monzo–granite–diorite and breccias units which are in the central and western parts of the deposit. The anomalies are located within the potassic, phyllic and argillic alteration types and also there is the positive correlation between the anomalies and nearing faults in the studied area. The results obtained via fractal model were interpreted accordingly to incorporate the information for the mineralized areas including detailed geological map, structural analysis and alterations. The results show that S–A multifractal modeling is applicable for anomalies delineation based on soil data.     

Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions with multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were used successfully for the removal of Copper(II), Lead(II), Cadmium(II), and Zinc(II) from aqueous solution. The results showed that the % adsorption increased by raising the solution temperature due to the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The kinetics of Cadmium(II), Lead(II), Copper(II), and Zinc(II) adsorption on Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were analyzed using the fraction power function model, Lagergren pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models, and the results showed that the adsorption of heavy metal ions was a pseudo-second-order process, and the adsorption capacity increased with increasing solution temperature. The binding of the metal ions by the carbon nanotubes was evaluated from the adsorption capacities and was found to follow the following order: Copper(II) > Lead(II) > Zinc(II) > Cadmium(II). The thermodynamics parameters were calculated, and the results showed that the values of the free energies were negative for all metals ions, which indicated the spontaneity of the adsorption process, and this spontaneity increased by raising the solution temperature. The change in entropy values were positives, indicating the increase in randomness due to the physical adsorption of heavy metal ions from the aqueous solution to the carbon nanotubes’ surface. Although the enthalpy values were positive for all metal ions, the free energies were negative, and the adsorption was spontaneous, which indicates that the heavy metal adsorption of Multi-walled carbon nanotubes was an entropy-driving process.     

Factors controlling mechanisms of groundwater salinization and hydrogeochemical processes in the Quaternary aquifer of the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt

In this study, combining interpretations of conservative dissolved ions and environmental isotopes in water were used to investigate the main factors and mechanisms controlling groundwater salinization and hydrogeochemical processes in the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic study has been carried out for 61 water samples from the study area. Total dissolved solid (TDS) contents of groundwater are highly variable rising along flowpath from the south (410 mg/L) to the north (14,784 mg/L), implying significant deterioration and salinization of groundwater. Based on TDS and ionic ratios, groundwater samples were classified into three groups. In low-saline groups, water chemistry is greatly influenced by cation exchange, mineral dissolution/precipitation, anthropogenic pollutants and mixing with surface water. Whilst, in high-saline groups, water chemistry is affected by salt-water intrusion, reverse cation exchange and evaporation. The chemical constituents originating from saline water sources, reverse ion exchange and mineral dissolution are successfully differentiated using ionic delta and saturation index approaches. The δ¹⁸O–δ²H relationship plots on a typical evaporation line, suggesting potential evaporation of the recharging water prior to infiltration. Isotope evidence concludes that the groundwater have been considerably formed by mixing between depleted meteoric water recharged under different climatic conditions and recently infiltrating enriched surface water and excess of irrigation water. The δ¹⁸O data in conjunction with chloride concentrations provide firm evidence for impact of dissolution of marine-origin evaporite deposits, during past geologic periods, on groundwater salinity in the northern region. Moreover, the relation between ¹⁴C activities and Cl^? concentration confirms this hypothesis.     

Complex impact assessment of coastal development in the United Arab Emirates using GIS: a case study of Wurayah Biosphere Reserve

Wadi Wurayah area is one of the major wadis originating and running on the Oman Mountains and drains into the Oman Gulf. These wadis in general and Wadi Wurayah in particular are characterized with a rich diversity of rare and mountainous and freshwater habitats and species. These wadis contain unequal, representative, and sensitive areas of the dry lands ecosystem with natural, outstanding landscapes and cultural heritage, while the socioeconomic situation indicates that it has enough socioeconomic infrastructures to develop new alternatives ecologically and economically sustainable. As most of the United Arab Emirates and the region, the study area is undergoing dramatic changes linked to economic diversification and promotion of tourism. Established under the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program, Wurayah Biosphere Reserve represents protected areas intended to demonstrate well-balanced relationship between conservation of biodiversity and an appropriate local development. The main objectives of this study are to develop an environmental information system to understand the dynamics of human activities associated to land use in the study area, highlight the threats to the environment, educate people about the basic environmental issues and positive traditional practices, and promote tourism. Based on the gained results, the concept of biosphere reserve as a model is to implement ideas of sustainable land use in practice.     

Use of satellite data and GIS for assessing the agricultural potentiality of the soils South Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Overpopulation and food security are the main global problems alert decision makers. In developing countries, such problem put extra pressure for horizontal expansion for agricultural development. The rapid sprawl of urbanized areas on the alluvial land of the River Nile and delta to accommodate the population growth has encouraged governmental and private sector for agricultural expansion in the desert. Unless there are reliable information and accurate studies for land and soil suitability, there will be a collapse of such investment. To evaluate the potential suitability of soil for agriculture development in areas of the western desert, satellite images, geographic information, and field survey including soil profiles and artesian water samples with laboratory analysis were integrated to classify the soils according their suitability for specific crop. The main land qualities of the different mapping units and the crop requirement were rated and matched to obtain the current and potential land suitability using Automated Land Evaluation System “ALES”. The study found that the main physiographic units are plateaus, hilland, mountain, and depression floor. But there are three limiting parameters for land suitability which are the lack of nutrient elements, wind erosion vulnerability, and soil texture. The study concluded that the best crops adapted with the soil conditions and could be feasible for economic use are: (1) native vegetation such as agol, sand trees, sammar, halfaa, bawaal, qordaob, bardi, and qortom; (2) filed crops such as onion, garlic, watermelon and wheat; and (3) fruits such as olive and date palms.