Geochemical Processes and PTEs Distribution in Mine Waters

Dear Colleagues,

Mine waters represent highly dynamic and chemically complex systems, where mineral weathering, redox transformations, hydrological flow paths, and microbial activity interact to control the mobilization, fate and distribution of dissolved constituents, especially Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs). From hydrological and hydrogeochemical perspectives, mine waters provide key insights into coupled surface–subsurface flow processes, water–rock interactions along preferential pathways, and the propagation of chemical signals from source areas to downstream environments. Understanding these processes is essential for tracing contaminant release, assessing environmental risks, and developing effective remediation strategies in both active and abandoned mining areas.

The geochemistry of mine waters has long been a topic of relevance and concern in hydrology and environmental geosciences, from early studies on acid mine drainage and sulphide oxidation to more recent work addressing metal attenuation, secondary mineral formation, and the role of microbial mediation. Over time, conceptual models have evolved from simplified geochemical descriptions to process-based frameworks integrating hydrology, geochemistry, and biology.

This Special Issue will gather high-quality contributions, including original research articles and review papers, that reflect the current state of the art on mine water systems across varied geological, climatic, and hydrological contexts. We particularly encourage studies that elucidate the following:

• The mechanisms driving the occurrence, transport, and attenuation of major ions, trace metals, metalloids, and acidity;
• The roles of secondary mineral formation, sorption processes, and biogeochemical cycling;
• Integrated approaches, such as the combination of field observations, laboratory experiments, geochemical and reactive-transport modelling, isotopic techniques, and other multidisciplinary analyses;
• Interactions between mine waters and receiving environments, long-term trends in water chemistry, passive or active treatment systems, and the geochemical evolution of tailings and waste-rock deposits.

Through this Special Issue, we will not only provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances but also identify emerging challenges and future research directions. In particular, the Special Issue will highlight how integrated hydrological and geochemical approaches can improve the prediction of contaminant behavior under changing climatic and hydrological conditions, support the design of more effective remediation strategies, and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources impacted by mining activities.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Federica Meloni
Dr. Jacopo Cabassi
Dr. Lorenzo Chemeri
Dr. Josè Ignacio Barquero Peralbo
Guest Editors

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