Stefano Natali, Linda Franceschi, Roberto Giannecchini, Massimo D'Orazio, Antonio Delgado-Huertas, Giovanni Zanchetta, Marco Doveri
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Groundwater contamination from legacy mining activities is a significant environmental concern, particularly in karst regions with vulnerable aquifers. This study investigates the isotopic composition of groundwater sulfates in a former mining area (Apuan Alps, Italy) to identify contamination sources and assess aquifer vulnerability. Sulfur and oxygen isotopes (δ34S and δ18O) of dissolved sulfates, combined with hydrochemical data, distinguish sulfide-derived sulfate, originating from acid mine drainage and sulfide oxidation, from sulfate released through evaporitic dissolution. The results show that some groundwater springs near mining sites are influenced by the oxidation of sulfide minerals and the dissolution of secondary Fe-Al-K sulfates, as evidenced by depleted δ34S and δ18O values and the presence of trace metals, including thallium. In contrast, other springs exhibit isotopically enriched δ34S and δ18O signatures, characteristic of the dissolution of Triassic evaporites, indicating deeper aquifers protected from mining-related contamination. Seasonal isotopic variations reveal the mixing of shallow and deep groundwater flow components, with dilution effects observed during recharge periods. These findings underscore the effectiveness of isotopic tools in tracing sulfate origin and highlight the risks of contamination in shallow karst systems.
期刊介绍：
Environmental Geochemistry and Health publishes original research papers and review papers across the broad field of environmental geochemistry. Environmental geochemistry and health establishes and explains links between the natural or disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface and the health of plants, animals and people.
Beneficial elements regulate or promote enzymatic and hormonal activity whereas other elements may be toxic. Bedrock geochemistry controls the composition of soil and hence that of water and vegetation. Environmental issues, such as pollution, arising from the extraction and use of mineral resources, are discussed. The effects of contaminants introduced into the earth’s geochemical systems are examined. Geochemical surveys of soil, water and plants show how major and trace elements are distributed geographically. Associated epidemiological studies reveal the possibility of causal links between the natural or disturbed geochemical environment and disease. Experimental research illuminates the nature or consequences of natural or disturbed geochemical processes.
The journal particularly welcomes novel research linking environmental geochemistry and health issues on such topics as: heavy metals (including mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mixed chemicals emitted through human activities, such as uncontrolled recycling of electronic-waste; waste recycling; surface-atmospheric interaction processes (natural and anthropogenic emissions, vertical transport, deposition, and physical-chemical interaction) of gases and aerosols; phytoremediation/restoration of contaminated sites; food contamination and safety; environmental effects of medicines; effects and toxicity of mixed pollutants; speciation of heavy metals/metalloids; effects of mining; disturbed geochemistry from human behavior, natural or man-made hazards; particle and nanoparticle toxicology; risk and the vulnerability of populations, etc.
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