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The purpose of this paper is to present the families dedicated to the mining activity and explain how family networks were woven, in order to interpret the power structure, the accumulation of capital, and the form in which production relations were articulated, at the end of the colonial period, in the territory of the current province of San Juan. In order to do this, first-hand sources such as scribe protocols, testaments and judicial records are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the mining industry is steadfastly committed to the goal of increasing extraction of minerals, the failure to recognize the existence of biophysical constraints to extraction results in massive degradation to socio-ecological systems. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach for analyzing mineral extraction which links the use and management of natural resources by means of the Stock-Flow/Fund-Service model developed by Georgescu-Roegen. Mining is a productive process that not only depletes minerals ores but also affects other natural resources that are needed to maintain life-supporting processes over time. The central claim is the need of recognizing the existence of biophysical limits to extraction in order to manage natural resources as irreplaceable providers of ecosystem services. By providing a new conceptualization for operationalizing the ecosystem services approach based on the Stock-Flow/Fund-Service model, we intend to challenge the current extractivist narrative that assumes unregulated practices, monetary indicators, technological advancements and substitutable resources. We argue that limits to mining activities should depend on a biophysical evaluation of the effects of these activities on the environment. Furthermore, social deliberation is required to determine whether extraction should occur and to what extent it is socially acceptable while still maintaining the integrity of socio-ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Altun National Nature Reserve (ANNR) on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) of China plays a key role in protecting the endemic, endangered Chiru ( Pantholops hodgsonii ). However, increasing mining activities in the ANNR pose a threat its habitats and migration corridors. This study aims to clearly understand potential effects of mining activities on habitats and migration corridors of Chiru. Using a linkage mapper corridor simulation tool in combination with the planned mining zones and roads distribution, we estimated the potential effects of these activities on migration corridors in eight scenarios (I: no mining activities; II: eastern mining zones exploited; III: central zones exploited; IV: western zones exploited; V: western and central zones exploited; VI: eastern and central zones exploited; VII: western and eastern zones exploited; VIII: all zones exploited). The results indicated that locations and length of potential Chiru migration corridors were different in 8 scenarios, thereby influencing the distribution and migration of Chiru in the ANNR; the protection importance value index (NIVI) of each core habitat changed in 8 scenarios. The western and central mining activities (in scenario V) would affect the Chiru migration most strongly, as the total length of all corridors was the longest with a length of 991.1 km and the total number of corridors was 25 which was the highest among the 8 scenarios. In scenario V, all migration corridors were greatly altered and the corridor length sharply increased. Also, the total length (942.8 km) of migration corridor was the second longest in scenario VI, and the third in scenario III. The central mining activities will significantly affect the seasonal migration routes for Chiru. Our results suggested that exploration of the central mining zones should be forbidden and central zones need to be strictly protected. Also, the northwestern region of the ANNR where most of migration corridors are located should also be strictly protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may alter physical, chemical and biological properties of ecosystems, affecting organisms but also the fate of chemical pollutants. This study aimed to find out how changes in climate conditions (air temperature, soil moisture content) affect the toxicity of metal-polluted soils to the soft-bodied soil organism Enchytraeus crypticus , linking enchytraeid performance with changes in soil available and body metal concentrations. Bioassays with E. crypticus were performed under different combinations of air temperature (20 and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC) in dilution series of three metal-polluted soils (mine tailing, forest and watercourse). After 21 d exposure, enchytraeid reproduction was determined, and soil available (extracted with 0.01 M CaCl 2 ) and body Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in surviving adults were determined. In general, Cd, Pb and Zn availability decreased upon incubation under the different climate scenarios. In the watercourse soil, with initially higher available metal concentrations (678 µg Cd kg −1 , 807 µg Pb kg −1 and 31,020 µg Zn kg −1 ), decreases were greatest at 50% WHC probably due to metal immobilization as carbonates. Enchytraeid reproduction was negatively affected by higher available metal concentrations, with reductions up to 98% in the watercourse soil compared to the control soil at 30% WHC. Bioaccumulation of Cd, Pb and Zn was higher when drier conditions were combined with the higher temperature of 25 °C. Changes in metal bioavailability and bioaccumulation explained the toxicity of soil polluted by metal mine wastes to enchytraeids under changing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reconstruct the history of environmental degradation in Sanliqi Lake (Daye City, central China), multiple proxies were analyzed in a sedimentary core which was dated using Cs and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs). The results show that Sanliqi Lake has experienced serious degradation during the past 60 years, resulting from a large influx of metals and nutrients. Expansion of agricultural and industrial activities between 1945 and 1993 enhanced nutrient and metal enrichment, indicated by increases in metals, SCPs, magnetic susceptibility, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and total organic carbon. Further enrichment of Zn, Cd, Ni and Cr after 1993 was linked to a recent intensification of mining activities. Decreases in Cu and Pb after 2006 probably resulted from recent environmental remediation. This study verified the coupling between lake sediment pollution and human activities in Daye City during the past 60 years. The reconstructed history of lake pollution can provide reference information for continued restoration of Sanliqi Lake and other similar heavily polluted lakes in the developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental and health impacts of trace elements are of great concern because of their toxicity, persistence, and bioavailability. Twenty-six groundwater samples were collected from the coal mining areas to evaluate water quality and potential environmental impact caused by mining activities. The physical/chemical properties and trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were determined. The physical/chemical parameters and the concentrations of trace elements varied among the shallow and confined groundwater, which may indicate the absence of hydraulic interactions between the aquifers. The concentrations of trace elements in the mining areas are higher than at background monitoring sites, which suggests that the mining activities may lead to environmental and health impacts. Based on a health risk assessment, the low hazard quotients and cancer risk values in confined groundwater samples indicate that the chronic and cancer adverse effects due to trace elements are negligible. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of groundwater trace element impacts from coal mining in China and is useful for environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Geomorphic responses were studied in the Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Polo (SGCP). • The SGCP is the second-largest global producer of ceramic tiles. • Topographic changes and hydrologic alteration were associated to SGCP. • The erosive and depositional processes changed, increasing the alluvial plains. • The sedimentation rates increased after the expansion of SGCP. Land use/land cover changes (LULCC) have modified the Earth's surface. In especial, mining activities have been responsible for landscape changes over a range of temporal and spatial scales. The production of mineral commodities in Brazil represents almost 2 % of the country's gross domestic product with non-metallic mining activities spread throughout the territory. The Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Polo (SGCP), located in the State of São Paulo, is the second-largest global producer of ceramic tiles and it is responsible for 70 % of the production of non-metallic mineral resources in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess geomorphic responses in the SGCP, using land use changes and geomorphological mapping in two study areas, in different scenarios (1962, 1988, 2010). The sedimentation rates were measured to estimate changes in the depositional dynamic due to expansion of the SGCP. The expansion of SGCP generated several geomorphic responses, such as topographic changes, hydrologic alteration, construction of landfill with roads, and erosive/depositional processes adjustments. The expansion of open pit mining areas occurred in Riparian Forestry and pasture areas, creating slope breaks with a groundwater withdrawal and decreasing the length of the river channels. The landfill with roads increased the surface runoff and, consequently, the linear erosive processes and the mass wasting in the slopes. The land displacement within the open pit mining areas, and in the quarry dumps, promoted an increase in the alluvial plains from 1962 to 2010, changing the average sedimentation rates from 26.5 mm yr−1 to 33.0 mm yr−1. The geomorphic responses allowed to comprehend the influence of human-landscape system in the SGCP. Finally, this study highlights the importance of studies involving geomorphic responses in areas with non-metallic mining activities, which could be used in different areas in Brazil or elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the serious environmental concern around the world is heavy metals contamination. They can enter to the environment through human activities such as mining, farming, and factory activities. Soil contamination by heavy metals can affect crops, enter the food chain and threat human health. Therefore, clearance of the soil from these heavy metals is one of the most important environmental issues. Up to now, different strategies are introduced for heavy metals remediation of soil and some of them were briefly reviewed, here. We were mainly focus on the soil remediation from heavy metals which has the highest percentage of abundance in the contaminated soil, namely arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury, iron, copper, and zinc by plants (phytoremediation). On the other hand, different kinds of plants, including trees, flowers, grasses, vegetables, and ferns that can help clean these metals from the soil, are introduced. Growth conditions of these plants, such as light and water, were also studied, and it was found that 48% plants require partial sunlight, and 50% of plants grew in moist soil. They were also classified based on their biological ages, and it was found 68% of plants were perennials and had more than two years of lifespan. Among these plants, some of them are capable of capturing several heavy metals simultaneously, and they are called as Valuable Phytoremediation Plants and they are more useful for soil remediation from heavy metals. It seems that present study can help environmental officials and governments to find a sustainable solution to get rid of heavy metals hazardous on mines ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Soil contamination by heavy metals can affect crops, enter the food chain and threat human health. • Different strategies are introduced for heavy metals remediation of soil. • Phytoremediation is considered as an efficient approach to reduce the concentration of heavy metals in soil. • There are some plants capable of capturing several heavy metals simultaneously, and they are called as Valuable Phytoremediation Plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-ferrous metal mining is considered one of the largest sources of toxic metal released to the environment and may threaten ecosystems, notably biota. We explored how birds that inhabit non-ferrous metal mining sites are exposed to mercury, lead, and other trace elements by analyzing their feathers and verifying which factors may influence element concentrations in feathers. We sampled a total of 168 birds, representing 26 species, with different feeding habits and migration patterns in a non-polluted reference site and two historical metal mining areas: Almadén, which is considered one of the most heavily mercury-contaminated sites worldwide, and the Sierra Madrona mountains where lead has been mined since ancient times. The quantification of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Feather analysis revealed contamination by Hg and Pb, in Almadén and Sierra Madrona, respectively. We found that granivorous birds had the lowest feather Hg levels compared to those found in omnivorous, insectivorous, and piscivorous species, whereas feather Pb was about twice as high in granivores and omnivores, than in insectivorous and piscivorous birds. We also found differences among study sites in 13 elements and confirmed the influence of feather age, migratory patterns of the birds, and external deposition of elements, on metal concentrations in the feathers. Our results highlight that despite the cessation of metal mining in the study areas, local avifauna are being exposed to Hg and Pb from abandoned mines and old tailings sites, indicating that appropriate measures are needed to protect biota from overexposure to these toxic metals. [Display omitted] • Feathers of 168 birds inhabiting three areas with various metal loads were sampled. • Continued exposure of birds to Hg and Pb in abandoned mining sites was revealed. • Feathers can serve as reliable passive bioindicators of bird's habitat pollution. • Feeding habits, site, age of feathers and migratory patterns influenced metal levels. • Exposure to Hg and Pb may pose a risk to avifauna in these mining sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental and health hazards posed by heavy metals are significant due to their toxicity and bioavailability. Thirty-two soil samples were collected from residential areas around three coal mines and a power plant to assess the environmental and health implications caused by mining activities. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. To evaluate the risk levels, the geo-accumulation index and health risk assessment were determined. The concentrations of metals in power plant soil were generally higher than those in coal mine soil, suggesting a higher release during coal combustion. The results demonstrate that the soils in the vicinity of Xinzhuangzi Mine and Luohe Power Plant are moderately contaminated by arsenic and cadmium. The analysis of the health risk of the metals indicated that the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic adverse effects to residents due to heavy metal exposure are negligible. However, more attention should be paid around the power plant for the unacceptable level of carcinogenic risk. Based on the results of the environmental and health risk assessment, priority control components in Huaian have been identified. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of soil heavy metal implications derived from mining activity in this region in China and is helpful for pollution control and environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article presents an analysis of the legal requirements related to environmental protection and the management of a deposit, paying special attention to the impact of the management of the deposit from the time of discovery, documentation and making the deposits available for exploitation until reclamation and use of deposit after dismantling of the mining plant on the institutional forms of environmental protection such as: forms of protection of landscape and nature, forms of protection of groundwater, forms of protection of soil and the forms of forest protection. Accepted forms of division of environmental protection results from assessment of documented and undeveloped deposits of rock materials in task 7: Protection of rock deposits - criteria of their rational management, conditions and opportunities of implementation of the project Strategies and technological scenarios for development and utilisation of rock deposit, using the method of assessment of Nieć and Radwanek-Bąk (Nieć & Radwanek- Bąk, 2011). It also presents statistics showing the number of analysed forms of environmental protection applied in Poland. It was noted that every year the process of extending of legal protection to new areas has been observed. This process causes increased safety requirements for the planned mining activities in these areas. It is also emphasised that the management of the deposit should be implemented in a reasonable manner, compatible with the spatial policy pursued at all levels of administration. The mineral exploitation should to be economically justified and undertaken with measures, which reduce the negative impact of the different cycles of the life of the deposit on the elements of the environment, which are located directly on the planned or performed mining activities and in its vicinity. It also shows that mining activities can be performed in areas of institutional protection, after meeting the requirements imposed by the regulations and after obtaining the decision on environmental conditions of the planned mining activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a methodology to assess the environmental potential risk of soils when submitted to different conditions. The potentially toxic element (PTE) behaviour was evaluated by single chemical extractions in order to simulate four conditions: PTEs leaching under actual rainfall conditions; acid mine drainage; and an anoxic and an oxic environment. Soil pollution assessment was carried out using the contamination factor (CF) and the pollution load index (PLI) for total contents and indicators of mobility were established for each extraction: natural mobility indicator (NMI), acid mine drainage mobility indicator (AMI), oxic mobility indicator (OMI) and anoxic mobility indicator (ANMI). The total PTE content in the samples was high, and this content decreased when the distance of the sampling site to the source of contamination increased. The results obtained after the extractions suggested that the highest PTE content was extracted in the acidic medium. The mineralogical composition is an important factor that should be taken into account in the evaluation of PTE mobility, firstly because the mineral phases react differently in the proposed situations depending on their chemical nature, and secondly, because the presence of a particular phase (with different degree of reactivity) depends on the degree of weathering. The most reactive materials under oxic conditions are, in the study area, the most modern. The proposed indices may constitute a first attempt to define areas with high potential environmental risk, where urgent action is needed. In addition, the proposed methodology could be a valuable tool to prioritise these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities and resulting wastes can be considered one of the most important sources of toxic metals and metalloids in the environment. To assess environmental risk in the surrounding areas of old abandoned W-Sn and Pb-Zn mines and resulting tailings and rejected materials, 333 samples were collected in stream sediments under the influence of abandoned mines. Samples were prepared and analyzed for Fe, Ba, P, Cu, Cr, Ag, B, Zn, Be, Y, Nb, Pb, Ni, V, Mn, Mo, As, W, Co, Cd, Sn and U. The inexistence of Portuguese legislation concerning parametric values for stream sediments led to the application of a quantitative index for progressive contamination on stream sediments, the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), as variables to create risk maps. A first exploratory multivariate statistical analysis, using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), applied to the obtained Igeos, shows a first factor (F1) explaining the dependence of P and B (positive correlation with the axis) and the inverse correlation of these two elements with the cluster formed by Cr, Ni and V (negative correlation with the axis); the second factor (F2) explains Ni, Fe, Zn and As; Cd and U Igeos are not explained in the new factorial space and, therefore, are characterized individually. The variographic studies showed the existence of spatial structure for the new synthesis variables (F1, F2) as well as for Cd and U Igeos. The experimental point-support data was then interpolated using ordinary kriging within a narrow search window as shown in the fitted variogram models. The obtained maps show extremely high levels of pollution in Cd and W and strongly high levels of pollution in Cr, B, Ag, Zn and Pb. The accumulation of these elements in the studied stream sediments is higher on the abandoned mining areas and in their vicinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consideration of human influences is crucial to understanding the coastal sediment supply and associated shoreline responses prior to undertaking coastal hazard management studies. Observation of the widening of some selected Indian beaches, especially over the last 6 decades, is of significance. From this perspective, Miramar Beach, Goa, India, was studied using three ground-penetrating radar shallow subsurface profiles (4 m depth). Based on a series of depositional siliciclastic packages, six progradational packages were recognised, which were interrupted by sharp erosional boundaries. These erosional boundaries represent transgressive phases of the shoreline migration. It was observed that the shoreline migration is coupled with the deposition and erosion of sediments, and this is supported by the historical admiralty charts. The optically simulated luminescence dating of the sediments collected at the first progradation period reveals that the age corresponds to the years 1952-1957, which also corroborates the information provided by the local populace. In the past 6 decades, the shoreline growth has been rapid because of the heavy sediment influx from the Mandovi River caused by increased mining activities (since the 1950s) in upstream areas. Since the 1950s, the shoreline has prograded rapidly, building a beach from ~40 to ~280 m wide (average rate of 4 m/year) in response to enhanced sediment supply from the Mandovi River created by mining activities upstream. Superimposed on this overall regressive trend is a series of deposition and erosion cycles. Perhaps, if a similar trend continues, then there will possibly be a further widening of the beach in the future. A close monitoring network is needed to understand the causes of the cycles in shoreline position and to predict their future behaviour. The present investigation on the nature of the coastal response to anthropogenic activities in a river basin as well as the role of short-time cycles on shoreline behaviour in the last 6 decades could be an ideal reference study and motivate the search for similar areas along other coastal locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey has almost 70% of the total boron (B) in the world, and B-reserve areas form a special habitat in terms of plant–environment relationships. In this study, these relationships were used to investigate phytoremediation possibilities for B-contaminated environments. Field studies were carried out in seven different open B mine sites and their environments in four different provinces of Turkey. At the end of chemical analyses of soil and plant samples, 11 wild and potential phytoremediator plant species were determined; two of them were aquatic whereas nine were terrestrial. Some of the species were halophytes.Puccinella distanssubsp. distans (Poaceae) andGypsophila perfoliatasubsp. perfoliata (Caryophyllaceae) showed both the greatest tolerance and greatest B accumulation ratios. The results of the present study could be used as a tool to improve effective and environmentally friendly management strategies for both aquatic and terrestrial environments contaminated with high B concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication analyses the possibilities of mining for rock raw materials from documented and unexploited rock raw material deposits within the legally protected areas of a voivodenship (Polish province). The research shows that within the legally protected areas of the selected voivodeship, there were 39 such deposits with total resources of 985.2 millionMg. These deposits are located within the following areas: Natural Landscape Parks, Landscape Protection Areas, Natura 2000 areas, underneath the retention reservoir S³up (1 gravel and sand deposit), as well as within the areas of two Natural Landscape Parks planned to be designed. Analysis of the deposits shows that environmental considerations do not exclude prospective mineral resources extraction; however, they limited such extraction to a great extent. Raw material deposits could only be exploited pursuant to the Polish Act of 9 June 2011 Geological and Mining Law, that is, after obtaining a concession for mining activities within a particular area. One of the attachments to the concession application form is the prior decision on environmental conditionings for undertaking execution pursuant to Article 72 of the Act on Access to Information on the Environment. The crucial part of obtaining the approval for the undertaking is conducting the so-called impact evaluation procedure. This procedure is aimed at preventing an unfavourable influence on the environment from the planned undertaking. Additionally, in the case of legally protected areas, the possibilities of mining are conditioned by the Polish Environmental Protection Act, and in the case of Natural Landscape Parks by the legal act establishing a certain Landscape Park. In the legal acts establishing 3 particular Landscape Parks (Bóbr Valley Landscape Park, Rudawy Landscape Park, and Che³my Landscape Park) there are total bans on executing undertakings that could considerably influence the environment, as well as on obtaining rocks, fossils, and minerals for economic purposes. That means that 8 deposits located within the areas of these Parks could not be exploited. The only exception here is the deposit of amphibolite 'Wieoeciszowice', due to the provisions of the act establishing the Rudawy Landscape Park concerning the possibility of mining for minerals if the conducted evaluation procedure shows a lack of unfavourable influence on the nature of the Park. In the case of Landscape Protection Areas and Natura 2000 areas, mining of the documented deposits is possible under the condition that the conducted impact evaluation procedure shows a lack of considerable negative influence of the investment on the nature of the protected area, and on the protection objectives of the Natura 2000 area. The analysis has also shown that sand and gravel exploitation is impossible from underneath the S³up retention reservoir. This is caused by the established water intake protection zone that includes the reservoir basin and its hydraulic structures, and which completely eliminates the possibilities of mining for minerals in that area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, across Europe and Romania, in particular, it has emerged and continues to exist an opposition to the "heavy" industries: mining, metallurgy, manufacturing, etc., motivated, mainly, by their impact on the environment. However, some countries such as the US, China, India, Australia, Russia, etc have continued or even expanded these industries and they are proving to be, viable, progress engines while Europe and Romania became tributaries to importations. The innovative project seeks to develop a concept of mining activity with minimal impact on ecological footprint, which integrates both extraction and processing. This new approach involves changing the relationship between industrial activity, community and environment through a training work, increasing public awareness in the interests of transparency and acceptance of the need of mineral resources exploitation and valorisation, environmental frendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid developmental process taking place across the globe, there are several pockets widespread in North East Region of India which are becoming hotspots of land-use change. Industrial expansion is one of the main reasons for conversion of landuse/ land-cover classes, particularly from forest to nonforest. This study focuses on the impact of the cement industrial and mining activities leading to the loss of forest cover in Jaintia hills district, Meghalaya, NE India. The region owing to its large natural resource store is becoming the zone of forest to non-forest conversion at a much faster rate. In this study, remote sensing has been used as a tool to observe the extent of land-use change using an automatic change detection software, DeltaCue to map the expansion of the cement industrial units and their impact on the vegetation in the immediate vicinity. The present study highlights the spread of the industrial units from 2005 to 2011 and the loss of vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Panasqueira mine area of central Portugal, some environmental media show higher metal(loid) concentrations when compared with the local geochemical background and the values proposed in the literature for these environmental media. In order to evaluate the effect of the external contamination on selected indexes of internal dose, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Se, Si, and Zn were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry in blood, urine, hair and nail samples from individuals environmentally ( N = 41) and occupationally exposed ( N = 41). A matched control group ( N = 40) was also studied, and data from the three groups were compared. Results obtained agreed with those reported by environmental studies performed in this area, pointing to populations living nearby and working in the mine being exposed to metal(loid)s originated from mining activities. Arsenic was the element with the highest increase in exposed populations. The concentration of other elements such as Cr, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Se, and Zn was also increased, although at a lesser extent, specifically in the individuals environmentally exposed and in females. These findings confirm the need for competent authorities to act as soon as possible in this area and implement strategies aimed to protect exposed populations and the entire ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmental studies performed in Panasqueira mine area (central Portugal) identified high concentrations of several metal(loid)s in environmental media, and individuals environmentally and occupationally exposed showed higher levels of As, Cr, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb and Zn in blood, urine, hair and nails when compared to unexposed controls. To evaluate the presence of immunological alterations attributable to environmental contamination, we quantified neopterin, kynurenine, tryptophan, and nitrite concentrations in plasma, and analysed the percentage of several lymphocytes subsets, namely CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, CD19+ B-cells, and CD16+56+ natural killer (NK) cells in a group of individuals previously tested for metal(loid) levels in different biological matrices. The environmentally exposed group had significantly lower levels of %CD8+ and higher CD4+/CD8+ ratios, whereas the occupationally exposed individuals showed significant decreases in %CD3+ and %CD4+, and significant increases in %CD16+56+, when compared to controls. Analysed biomarkers were found to be influenced by age, particularly neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) with significantly higher levels in older individuals, and %CD3+, %CD8+ and %CD19+ with significantly lower values in older individuals. Males environmentally exposed showed significantly lower values of %CD19+ when compared to control females. The concentration of Pb in toenails was associated to the level of neopterin, kynurenine and Kyn/Trp ratio (all direct), and the concentration of Mn in blood to the level of %CD8+, %CD19+ (both inverse) and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (direct). Overall our results show that the metal(loid) contamination in Panasqueira mine area induced immunotoxic effects in exposed populations, possibly increasing susceptibility to diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mining activities depend significantly on water resources availability as it consists a major tool of the extraction, processing and the post closure mining operations. Especially, groundwater is the major water source in most mining areas. However, overexploitation, competition from the communities and climate change effects have caused significant stress on the groundwater resources in many areas of the Mediterranean basin. The sustainability of mining operations is threatened as well as the uninterrupted supply of raw materials to the industry. In this work spatial estimation and analysis of groundwater stress at hydrological basin-scale in the European part of the Mediterranean region is applied using local and global datasets. Aquifer productivity index and groundwater use information at monitoring sites are extracted from the River Basin Management Plans of the European Environment Agency, while groundwater recharge is considered from the World-wide Hydrogeological Mapping and Assessment Program (WHYMAP) after validation. The processing of these data using the Self Organized Maps technique and their integration within a novel function, provide the groundwater stress index. The output of this work can be used for governance and management decisions that will improve groundwater resources availability in vulnerable areas ensuring the sustainable use from the communities and the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoscience is a field of study where nuclear instruments find their place for conducting specific measurements of radioactivity, usually to improve the monitoring of natural processes using naturally-occurring radioactive tracers, but also for the nuclear industry linked to the mining sector. In geological samples, the location and identification of the minerals bearing radioactivity at the thin-section scale remains a major challenge as the detection limit of the usual elementary microprobe techniques is far higher than the concentration of most of the natural radioactive decay products. The location of each decay product, as in the case of uranium-238 series in a geomaterial is interesting for relating radionuclide concentrations to mineralogy. The present study aims to provide spectroscopic autoradiography analysis method for measuring the initial energy of alpha particles with a parallel ionization multiplier gaseous detector. This spectroscopic autoradiography method was successfully used to reproduce the alpha spectra from a 238U decay chain on a geological sample at the thin-section scale. The characteristics of this measurement are an energy spectrum resolution of 17.2% (FWHM) at 4647 keV and a spatial resolution of at least 50 μ m. Even if the efficiency of energy spectrum reconstruction is low (4.4%) compared to the efficiency of a simple autoradiograph (50%), this novel measurement approach offers the opportunity to select areas on an autoradiograph to perform an energy spectrum analysis within that area. This opens up possibilities for the detailed analysis of heterogeneous geological samples containing natural alpha emitters such as uranium-238 and radium-226. • A novel analysis approach of autoradiography imaging using a PIM detector. • The method enables the energy distribution measurement of alpha particle emissions. • Applications are possible for geosciences and biosciences. • The device combines a wide analysis surface area and a 50 μ m spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the accumulation of trace elements (TE) by vegetables produced in the vicinity of abandoned pyrite mines, eighteen different small farms were selected near three mines from the Portuguese sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (São Domingos, Aljustrel and Lousal). Total and bioavailable As, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were analyzed in the soils, and the same TE were analyzed in three different vegetables, lettuce (Lactuca sativa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea), collected at the same locations. The soils were contaminated with As, Cu, Pb, and Zn, since their total concentrations exceeded the considered soil quality guideline values for plant production in the majority of the sampling sites. The maximum total concentrations for those TE were extremely high in some of the sampling sites (e.g. 1851mgAskg−1 in São Domingos, 1126mgCukg−1 in Aljustrel, 4946mgPbkg−1 in São Domingos, and 1224mgZnkg−1 in Aljustrel). However, the soils were mainly circumneutral, a factor that contributes to their low bioavailable fractions. As a result, generally, the plants contained levels of these elements characteristic of uncontaminated plants, and accumulation factors for all elements <1, typical of excluder plants. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake (EDI) for Cu and Zn, through the consumption of these vegetables, falls below the recommended upper limit for daily intake of these elements. The sampling site that stood out from the others was located at São João de Negrilhos (Aljustrel), where bioavailable Zn levels were higher, a consequence of the slight acidity of the soil. Therefore, the Zn content in vegetables was also higher, characteristic of contaminated plants, emphasizing the risk of Zn entering the human food chain via the consumption of crops produced on those soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Previous studies investigating the exposure to metal(loid)s of populations living in the Panasqueira mine area of central Portugal found a higher internal dose of elements such as arsenic, chromium, lead, manganese, molybdenum and zinc in exposed individuals. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the extent of genotoxic damage caused by environmental and occupational exposure in individuals previously tested for metal(loid) levels in different biological matrices, and the possible modulating role of genetic polymorphisms involved in metabolism and DNA repair. T-cell receptor mutation assay, comet assay, micronucleus (MN) test and chromosomal aberrations (CA) were performed in a group of 122 subjects working in the Panasqueira mine or living in the same region. The modifying effect of polymorphisms in GSTA2, GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1, XRCC1, APEX1, MPG, MUTYH, OGG1, PARP1, PARP4, ERCC1, ERCC4, and ERCC5 genes was investigated. Significant increases in the frequency of all biomarkers investigated were found in exposed groups, however those environmentally exposed were generally higher. Significant influences of polymorphisms were observed for GSTM1 deletion and OGG1 rs1052133 on CA frequencies, APEX1 rs1130409 on DNA damage, ERCC1 rs3212986 on DNA damage and CA frequency, and ERCC4 rs1800067 on MN and CA frequencies. Our results show that the metal(loid) contamination in the Panasqueira mine area induced genotoxic damage both in individuals working in the mine or living in the area. The observed effects are closely associated to the internal exposure dose, and are more evident in susceptible genotypes. The urgent intervention of authorities is required to protect exposed populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this work was to assess development of the quality of surface water in the Svatava River in the Czech Republic from 1997 to 2008. Parameters typical for pollution as a result of mining activities (SO42-, Fe, Mn) were monitored, as well as select heavy metals (Pb and Cd). A falling tendency in the values of annu- al averages of all the monitored indicators in all profiles is apparent. The least polluted water is in the profiles Hranice and Kraslice on the upper course of the Svatava River. Conversely, the most polluted water is in the Sokolov profile, in front of the site where the Svatava River flows into the Ohre. This applies to all the monitored indicators of the Sokolov profile that the greatest pollution values were recorded during 1997 and 2002, and for sulphurs also in 1999 and 2003. The analyzed ion concentrations are still significantly higher than in other profiles, with the exception of lead and cadmium, where pollution is the greatest in the Oloví profile. However, in 2008 the measured values for all indicators did not exceed valid limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The impacts of mining contaminations and physico-chemical properties and geochemistry of mine tailings on the density, richness, biodiversity, evolution and succession of plant species and vegetation recovery in the mining area is very poorly reported in the literature. Therefore, the present study conducted an investigation on vegetation development and succession of plant communities at the abandoned São Domingos pyrite mining area. Materials and methods: We conducted the field survey to estimate the vegetation development and succession of plant communities, collect vegetation (plant species, lichen and moss) and tailing (and soil) samples, and finally analyzed the physico-chemical and geochemical properties and metal levels in mine tailings, soil and vegetation samples. Results and discussion: The results showed that the communities of low height and biomass like grass, legume, shrub, moss and lichen were dominating on the mine tailings and waste dumps at the inner sites and center of the mine, and the vegetation coverage was explicitly very poor. The reddish brown colluvia had poor soil quality, but high acidity and metal concentrations. However, at the outer edge of the mine the loamy soil and relatively lower acidity and metal contamination favored the higher vegetation cover and a gradual increase in the number of species and plant succession, where the taller, higher biomass and broad leaf trees were abundantly grown forming a dense forest and canopy. The succession of several plant communities dominating in the mining area, vegetation coverage and species richness were strongly related to the different levels of contamination, soil properties and adverse factors of mine tailings. Conclusions: Although the high concentrations of toxic trace elements and low pH soil are important factors for limiting the plant growth, however, proper soil development with enriched nutrients and properties on mining wastes, by either natural or external soil aided process, can help to promote the high vegetation growth, mine rehabilitation and ecological restoration of the mining degraded lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Law of Environmental Protection (Nr.137 din 1995) „the polluter is represented by any solid, liquid, gaseous or steaming substance, as well as any energy form (electromagnetic radiation, ionized, thermic, sound or vibrations) which once introduced into the environment alters the natural balance of its constituencies entailing damage to the living organisms, material goods and the legitimate usage of the environment“. In the case of soil we can refer to its degradation to the extent in which more features are damaged following a complex process which finally leads to its exclusion from the agricultural circuit namely the restriction of the productive potential. In the proximity of the mining perimeters, due to specific activities of rock blasting, exploitation and transportation there emerge elements which speed up the soil degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of trace elements throughout mining areas is an important issue because abandoned tailings could be a major source of environmental pollution. In order to analyze the spatial variation of trace elements in a zone where mining activities took place and to identify pollution sources in the study area, a three-step study was carried out at a regional, at a local, and a detailed scale. In addition, a conceptual model of trace elements dispersion was established and confirmed by a geographic information system. The results obtained allowed to establish points affected by primary, secondary, and tertiary contamination, according to their proximity to contamination sources and as a function of attenuation processes which could take place in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal levels in hair of residents living in villages around Fenghuang mine were investigated. Samples belonging to mine areas showed the highest values, with mean concentrations (mg kg) of 0.17 for Cd, 8.67 for Pb, 0.11 for As, 2.19 for Hg, and 0.64 for Se. Significant correlations ( p < 0.01) were found between Cd-Pb, Cd-As, Pb-As, and Se-Hg. There is no significant difference in any of the elements among age groups. However, significant differences in Cd and Pb levels were found between genders. Results revealed that children and females were more susceptible to Cd and Pb exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activity in the basin Baia Mare who was practiced intensively and aggressively for several decades, has seriously affected the environment. Thus, after exploration and exploitation work from the mining area Băiţa, Maramureş county were finish, here were remained the 5 tailings dumps. Although these landfills are inactive from over a decade, they are, together with the mine waters, the major source of pollution in the area. The rain waters washes the abandoned mining perimeters and tailings dumps, training the particles of the heavy metals in suspension, because dumps are partly cultivated with grass, here and there degraded and only one of five dumps is equipped with a wastewater treatment plant. These waters heavily loaded, are drain in natural water courses nearby, resulting a significant contamination, affecting local ecosystems. The paper brings information on river water quality and the need to improve her quality, the water represent an indispensable factor for development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The distribution of trace elements throughout mining areas is an important issue because abandoned tailings can be a major source of environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to identify the trace element content, hydric dispersion ways and its reception areas in selected zones of the abandoned mining district of Sierra Minera Cartagena-La Unión. The results obtained allowed to establish points affected by primary, secondary and tertiary contamination, according to their proximity to contamination sources, as a function of its chemical and mineralogical composition. Applied GIS methodology allowed visualisation and confirmation of established conceptual model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]