Iron oxide - clay composite vectors on long-distance transport of arsenic and toxic metals in mining-affected areas

Gomez-Gonzalez, M.A. ; Villalobos, M. ; Marco, J.F. ; Garcia-Guinea, J. ; Bolea, E. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Laborda, F. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Garrido, F.

Resumen: Mine wastes from abandoned exploitations are sources of high concentrations of hazardous metal(oid)s. Although these contaminants can be attenuated by sorbing to secondary minerals, in this work we identified a mechanism for long-distance dispersion of arsenic and metals through their association to mobile colloids. We characterize the colloids and their sorbed contaminants using spectrometric and physicochemical fractionation techniques. Mechanical action through erosion may release and transport high concentrations of colloid-associated metal(oid)s towards nearby stream waters, promoting their dispersion from the contamination source. Poorly crystalline ferrihydrite acts as the principal As-sorbing mineral, but in this study we find that this nanomineral does not mobilize As independently, rather, it is transported as surface coatings bound to mineral particles, perhaps through electrostatic biding interactions due to opposing surface charges at acidic to circumneutral pH values. This association is very stable and effective in carrying along metal(oid)s in concentrations above regulatory levels. The unlimited source of toxic elements in mine residues causes ongoing, decades-long mobilization of toxic elements into stream waters. The ferrihydrite-clay colloidal composites and their high mobility limit the attenuating role that iron oxides alone show through adsorption of metal(oid)s and their immobilization in situ. This may have important implications for the potential bioavailability of these contaminants, as well as for the use of this water for human consumption. Capsule: This study indicates that nano-ferrihydrite may mobilize arsenic as mineral coatings on the surface of clay minerals. This demonstrates the role of iron coatings as arsenic scavengers and potential vector.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.100

Año: 2018

Publicado en: CHEMOSPHERE 197 (2018), 759-767
ISSN: 0045-6535

Factor impacto JCR: 5.108 (2018)

Categ. JCR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES rank: 32 / 250 = 0.128 (2018) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.448 - Chemistry (miscellaneous) (Q1) - Environmental Chemistry (Q1) - Pollution (Q1) - Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis (Q1) - Medicine (miscellaneous) (Q1) - Environmental Engineering (Q1)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO/BES-2011-046461
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO/CGL2010-17434
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO/EEBB-I-15-09807

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Química Analítica (Dpto. Química Analítica)