Sequential extraction procedure as a tool to investigate PTHE geochemistry and potential geoavailability of dam sediments (Almadén mining district, Spain)

Sediments from Castilseras reservoir (Almadén)were collected to assess the potential environmental hazards associated with the availability of Potentially Toxic or Harmful Elements (PTHE) in this freshwater environment. PTHE concentrations in sediments were investigated using a four step (F1?F4) Seq...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Higueras Higueras, Pablo León, García Ordiales, Efrén, Covelli, Stefano, Esbrí Víctor, José María, López Berdonces, Miguel Ángel, Loredo Pérez, Jorge
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2016
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/13351
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10578/13351
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Geochemistry
Potential geoavailability
Dam sediments
Almadén
Geoquímica
Descripción
Sumario:Sediments from Castilseras reservoir (Almadén)were collected to assess the potential environmental hazards associated with the availability of Potentially Toxic or Harmful Elements (PTHE) in this freshwater environment. PTHE concentrations in sediments were investigated using a four step (F1?F4) Sequential Extraction Procedure (SEP) and the results were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and different risk indexes and criteria. Considering the fractions results and the PCA treatment, two groups of elements can be differentiated in the easily leached by weak acids fraction F1 and these indicate the presence of sulfate and secondary precipitates of carbonates as the main sink for easily accessible metallic elements. In reducible fraction F2, chemical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the majority of the analyzed elements and the Fe oxy-hydroxides, with the exception of Co, Hg and Ni, which are preferentially associated with Mn oxy-hydroxides. In the oxidizable fraction (F3), a significant relationship between Cu, Fe, Hg and Zn (representative metals of the existing ore deposits) and sulfides/organic matter was observed. The environmental assessment based on the aforementioned criteria provides risk levels varying from moderate to high. The risk appears to be higher near the dam, where the higher PTHE levels in sediment are due to a selective accumulation of fine-grained particles.