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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2024) | Viewed by 25634

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. María de la Luz García Lorenzo

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Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: contamination and remediation of soils; environmental geochemistry; mining wastes, acid mine drainage; mobility and toxicity of heavy metals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. José María Esbrí

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Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: contamination and remediation of soils; environmental geochemistry; mining wastes, acid mine drainage; mobility and toxicity of heavy metals

Dr. Oscar Andreu Sánchez

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Área de Edafología y Química Agrícola, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
Interests: contamination and remediation of soils; mining wastes; mobility and toxicity of heavy metals; environmental risk assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Abandoned metal mining sites have left a degraded environmental legacy, threatening the ecosystem and human health, particularly by the presence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs), such as As, Cd, or Pb.

Before planning a soil remediation program, it is necessary to study the PHEs content, the natural mobility, the potential mobilization, and the toxicity effects, in order to obtain a comprehensive environmental and health risks.

The main objectives of this Special Issue focus on the study of the impact that the exploitation of mining deposits can have on the environment and its possible remediation. This study includes the evaluation of the levels of pollutants in soil and water, as well as the study of their source of origin and the processes by which they are dispersed.

Prof. Dr. María de la Luz García Lorenzo
Dr. José María Esbrí
Dr. Oscar Andreu Sánchez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

potentially toxic elements
soil contamination
risk assessment
mine waste
water contamination
acid mine drainage
ecotoxicology of contaminated soils

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing the Understanding of Sediment Contamination Dynamics in the Iron Quadrangle (Brazil): A Comparative Analysis of Pollution Indices for PTE Assessment

by Raphael Vicq, Mariangela G. P. Leite, Lucas P. Leão, Hermínio A. Nallini Júnior, Patricia Gomes, Rita Fonseca and Teresa Valente

Minerals 2025, 15(3), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030199 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 520

Abstract

The assessment of sediment contamination is a critical component in understanding the dynamics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions with intensive mining activities. This study focuses on the Rio das Velhas basin, located in the Iron Quadrangle (IQ), one of the most important mining provinces in the world, characterized by extensive anthropogenic pressures and rich geological diversity. A comprehensive evaluation of sediment contamination in this region was conducted, applying multiple univariate and multielement indices, including the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), modified contamination degree (mCd), pollution index (PI), modified pollution index (MPI), and ecological risk index (RI). A high sampling density (1 sample per 15 km²) enabled the creation of geochemical maps and the identification of contamination hotspots. The results revealed that As and Cd are the most concerning elements, with concentrations exceeding regional background levels. While EF provided a more sensitive and comprehensive spatial distribution of contamination, MPI emerged as a robust index for capturing geochemical trends in complex environments. The study also highlighted that over 20% of the samples exceeded guideline values for sediment quality, posing ecological risks. Elevated concentrations of PTEs, particularly As and Cd, raise concerns about their potential mobilization and bioaccumulation, threatening aquatic ecosystems. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and targeted management strategies in mining-impacted basins. This work not only advances the understanding of sediment contamination dynamics in the IQ but also establishes a methodological framework for evaluating sediment quality in heavily impacted mining regions worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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22 pages, 33681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Precipitates from Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage: Implications for Future Management Strategies

by Joaquín Delgado, Olivia Lozano, Diana Ayala, Domingo Martín and Cinta Barba-Brioso

Minerals 2025, 15(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010015 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 928

Abstract

Traditional mining activities in Zaruma-Portovelo (SE Ecuador) have led to high concentrations of pollutants in the Puyango River due to acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned waste. Dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) passive treatment systems have shown efficacy in neutralizing acidity and retaining metals and sulfates in acidic waters, achieving near a 100% retention for Fe, Al, and Cu, over 70% for trace elements, and 25% for SO₄²⁻. However, significant solid residues are generated, requiring proper geochemical and mineralogical understanding for management. This study investigates the fractionation of elements in AMD precipitates. Results indicate that Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ predominantly precipitate as low-crystallinity oxyhydroxysulfate minerals such as schwertmannite [Fe³⁺₁₆(OHSO₄)_12–13O₁₆·10–12H₂O] and jarosite [KFe³⁺₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆], which retain elements like As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn through adsorption and co-precipitation processes. Sulfate removal occurs via salts like coquimbite [AlFe₃(SO₄)₆(H₂O)₁₂·6H₂O] and gypsum [CaSO₄·2H₂O]. Divalent metals are primarily removed through carbonate and bicarbonate phases, with minerals such as azurite [Cu(OH)₂·2CuCO₃], malachite [Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂], rhodochrosite [MnCO₃], and calcite [CaCO₃]. Despite the effectiveness of DAS, leachates from the precipitates exceed regulatory thresholds for aquatic life protection, classifying them as hazardous and posing environmental risks. However, these residues offer opportunities for the recovery of valuable metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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23 pages, 1701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical, Petrological and Geochemical Characterisation of Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite Asbestos Mine Waste from Southern Africa in Context of Risk Assessment and Rehabilitation

by Jessica Shaye Schapira, Robert Bolhar, Sharad Master and Allan H. Wilson

Minerals 2023, 13(10), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13101352 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2735

Abstract

Derelict asbestos mine sites in South Africa pose a considerable risk to human, environmental and socio-economic health. Comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical datasets for the existing hazardous geological materials still exposed in Southern African derelict asbestos mines remain largely non-existent, as very little published and up-to-date literature is available. In this study, three representative types of asbestos mineral fibres from derelict asbestos mines in Southern Africa, namely chrysotile from Havelock mine, amosite from Penge mine and crocidolite from Prieska mine, are characterized mineralogically and geochemically to critically evaluate actual hazards in rural and asbestos-fibre-contaminated regions. The samples were examined using polarising light microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (major and trace elemental analysis), X-ray diffraction (including Rietveld refinement), specific surface area analysis and bio-durability testing. Data are discussed in view of their potential toxicities on both human health and the environment in the context of developing countries. Finally, information on the mineralogical and geochemical status of asbestos mine waste and its importance as baseline data for rehabilitation considerations is also evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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17 pages, 2265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemical Characterization of Rock Samples from Selected Fiji Mine Sites to Evaluate On-Site Environmental Vulnerabilities

by Apete Tuiyaro Soro, Walubita Mufalo, Takahiko Arima, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin and Toshifumi Igarashi

Minerals 2023, 13(5), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13050661 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3635

Abstract

Although mining contributes to about 1.4% of Fiji’s gross domestic product (GDP), the excavated rocks from mining may have detrimental effects on the environment. In this study, rock samples from five Fiji mine sites were selected to assess their geochemical characteristics from an environmental point of view. The mineralogical and chemical constituents, release and retention mechanisms of hazardous elements, and acid/neutralization potential of the rock samples were investigated to understand their environmental impacts on-site. The results showed that sulfide minerals typically found in the rock samples, such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite were responsible for the release of hazardous elements such as Cu, Pb, and Zn via oxidation. Leachates of rock samples from Mt Kasi, Nukudamu, and Wainivesi exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limit for Cu (2 mg/L), Pb (0.01 mg/L), and Zn (3 mg/L) in drinking water. In contrast, no hazardous elements were leached from the Tuvatu and Vatukoula rock samples, which could be attributed to the dissolution of calcite and dolomite that buffered the pH and limited heavy metal mobility. The acid–base accounting (ABA) and accelerated weathering test by hydrogen peroxide indicated that most of the rock samples containing sulfide minerals were likely to generate acidity. Furthermore, the results highlighted that once carbonate minerals are depleted in the rock samples, acid mine drainage (AMD) generation is inevitable. These findings reaffirm the need for committed effort in environmental management of the mine sites to prevent environmental issues associated with AMD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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20 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Controls on the Generation and Geochemistry of Neutral Mine Drainage: Evidence from Force Crag Mine, Cumbria, UK

by Adam P. Jarvis, Catherine J. Gandy and John A. Webb

Minerals 2023, 13(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13050592 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3079

Abstract

Neutral mine drainage (NMD) at Force Crag mine in north-west England has a circumneutral pH and high levels of Zn contamination. A long-term geochemical and hydrological dataset from this site was analysed using a novel molar mass balance approach, which demonstrated that the water chemistry is dominated by species released by the oxidation of sulphides: sphalerite (Zn, Cd, Ni), galena (Pb, mostly removed by adsorption to ferrihydrite) and pyrite (Fe, mostly precipitates as ferrihydrite). The calculations show that the sphalerite:galena:pyrite oxidation ratio is ~1:2:1, but the mine water chemistry is dominated by Zn due to the removal of Pb and Fe by adsorption/precipitation. The acidity released by pyrite oxidation is neutralised by the dissolution of calcite and, to a lesser extent, chlorite. The presence of pyrite is responsible both for the release of acidity and the removal of some contaminant metals by adsorption on ferrihydrite. The concentrations of sulphate, Zn, Cd and Ni in the mine water decrease with increasing flow due to dilution; modest increases in metal flux with flow probably reflect increased oxidation due to greater amounts of oxygenated water flowing through the mine. In contrast, Al, Pb and Cu concentrations are positively correlated with flow due to the flushing of these metals adsorbed to ferrihydrite particles. The influence of temperature is relatively subtle; metal fluxes are a balance between abiotic oxidation (which increases at higher temperatures and flows) and bacterially mediated oxidation (which is depressed at high flow rates when temperatures decrease below 10 °C). These conclusions apply to NMD mine water throughout the UK and elsewhere in the world, including mines hosted in both limestone and silicate rocks. The molar mass balance approach, together with synchronous flow and geochemistry data, provides crucial information for effective mine-water-treatment system design by elucidating the critical roles of flow rate and temperature in determining contaminant concentrations and loads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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15 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Categorization of Mining Materials for Restoration Projects by Means of Pollution Indices and Bioassays

by Inmaculada Ferri-Moreno, Jose Ignacio Barquero-Peralbo, Oscar Andreu-Sánchez, Pablo Higueras, Luis Roca-Pérez, Mari Luz García-Lorenzo and Jose María Esbrí

Minerals 2023, 13(4), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13040492 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

Sulfide mining wastes may lead to severe environmental and human health risks. This study aims to use geochemical and ecotoxicological indicators for the assessment of the ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the San Quintín mining group to categorize wastes prior to mining restoration. Ecotoxicity was evaluated using crustacean (Dahpnia magna, Thamnocephalus platyurus) and algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata) bioassays. The geochemical and mineralogical results suggested that the mining residues underwent intense weathering processes, with active processes of acidity generation and metal mobility. Total PTEs concentrations indicated that the mining materials were extremely polluted, with Pb, Zn and Cd geoaccumulation index (I_geo) values higher than 5 in more than 90% of the samples. The pollution load index (PLI) showed average values of 18.1, which classifies them as very highly polluted. The toxicity tests showed a higher toxicity for plants than crustaceans, being the highest values of toxicity related to toxic elements (Pb, Cd and Zn), electrical conductivity and to pH. This paper presents for the first time the combination of indices in the categorization of mining waste prior to its restoration. The combination of them has made it possible to categorize the waste and adapt the restoration and remediation procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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Review

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23 pages, 4396 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites as Advanced Adsorbents for Textile Wastewater Treatment

by Adel Mokhtar, Boubekeur Asli, Soumia Abdelkrim, Mohammed Hachemaoui, Bouhadjar Boukoussa, Mohammed Sassi, Gianluca Viscusi and Mohamed Abboud

Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121216 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

This review explores the removal of textile dyes from wastewater using advanced polymer/clay composites. It provides an in-depth analysis of the chemical and physical properties of these composites, emphasizing how the combination of polymers and clays creates a synergistic effect that significantly improves the efficiency of dye removal. The structural versatility of the composites, derived from the interaction between the layered clay sheets and the flexible polymer matrices, is detailed, showcasing their enhanced adsorption capacity and catalytic properties for wastewater treatment. The review outlines the key functional groups present in both polymers and clays, which are crucial for binding and degrading a wide range of dyes, including acidic, basic, and reactive dyes. The role of specific interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, ion exchange, and electrostatic attractions between the dye molecules and the composite surface, is highlighted. Moreover, the selection criteria for different types of clays such as montmorillonite, kaolinite, and bentonite and their modifications are examined to demonstrate how structural and surface modifications can further improve their performance in composite materials. Various synthesis methods for creating polymer/clay composites, including in situ polymerization, solution intercalation, and melt blending, are discussed. These fabrication techniques are evaluated for their ability to control particle dispersion, optimize interfacial bonding, and enhance the mechanical and chemical stability of the composites. Furthermore, the review introduces advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to help researchers assess the morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the composites, aligning these features with their potential application in dye removal. Additionally, the review delves into the primary mechanisms involved in the dye removal process, such as adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, and catalytic reduction. It also provides an overview of the kinetic and thermodynamic models commonly used to describe the adsorption processes in polymer/clay composites. The environmental and operational factors influencing the efficiency of dye removal, such as pH, temperature, and composite dosage, are analyzed in detail, offering practical insights for optimizing performance under various wastewater conditions. In conclusion, this review not only highlights the promising potential of polymer/clay composites for textile dye removal but also identifies current challenges and future research directions. It underscores the importance of developing eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable solutions to address the growing concerns related to water pollution and sustainability in wastewater management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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23 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Soil Pollution and Remediation Strategies in Coal Mining Regions

by Abdulmannan Rouhani, Jeff Skousen and Filip M. G. Tack

Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081064 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9201

Abstract

Coal remains a very important source of energy for the global economy. Surface and underground coal mining are the two major methods of coal extraction, and both have benefits and drawbacks. Surface coal mining can have a variety of environmental impacts including ecosystem losses, landscape alteration, soil destruction, and changes to surface and groundwater quality and quantity. In addition, toxic compounds such as heavy metals, radioactive elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other organic contaminants are released in the environment, ultimately affecting the health of ecosystems and the general population. Underground mining has large impacts on underground water supplies and water quality, but generally has less visual surface impacts such as leaving waste and tailings on the surface and subsidence problems. In response to the concern about these environmental issues, many strategies have been developed by scientists and practitioners to minimize land degradation and soil pollution due to mining. Reclamation laws passed in numerous countries during the past 50 years have instituted practices to reduce the impacts of soil pollution including burying toxic materials, saving and replacing topsoil, and vegetating the land surface. While modern mining practices have decreased the environmental impacts, many sites are inadequately reclaimed and present long-lasting soil pollution problems. The current review summarizes progress in comprehending (1) coal mining impacts on soil pollution, (2) the potential risks of soil pollution associated with coal mining, and (3) different types of strategies for remediating these contaminated soils. Research and prospective directions of soil pollution in coal mining regions include refinements in assessing pollutant levels, the use of biochars and other amendments, phytoremediation of contaminated soils, and the release of toxic elements such as mercury and thallium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Assessment in Mining Areas)

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