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Long-term changes in water quality downstream of three abandoned metal mines
,
Rory Walsh,
Patrick Byrne ,
Paul Edwards ,
Thomas Williams
Journal of Hydrology, Volume: 634, Start page: 131011
Swansea University Authors:
AARON TODD, Iain Robertson , Rory Walsh
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.131011
Abstract
Abandoned metal mines pollute rivers with both acidic and circumneutral metal-rich waters, sometimes from well-mapped mines, but often from long-abandoned adits with limited historical records. Changes in water quality over the monitored timescales were calculated for three mines across Wales (Nanty...
| Published in: | Journal of Hydrology |
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| ISSN: | 0022-1694 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2024
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65798 |
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| Abstract: |
Abandoned metal mines pollute rivers with both acidic and circumneutral metal-rich waters, sometimes from well-mapped mines, but often from long-abandoned adits with limited historical records. Changes in water quality over the monitored timescales were calculated for three mines across Wales (Nantymwyn, Parys Mountain and Frongoch), each abandoned since the early 20th century. Using all available spot sampling data provided by the environmental regulator, it was found that there was a sustained input of metals to the receiving watercourses with no or limited reduction in the concentrations from the mines without remediation, despite the passage of time and impacts of weathering. At Nantymwyn, comparison with five months’ sampling in 2019 showed no significant change (p > 0.05) in metal concentrations compared to the same months in 1985. Parys Mountain showed an increase in filtered zinc concentrations of 2 % between 2004 and 2020. At Frongoch, however, a substantial reduction in its environmental impact was observed after remediation, including a 90 % reduction in total lead concentrations. Realisation that the pollution from these sites does not reduce over the decades since abandonment should galvanize the resolve to understand the highest priority sites, and where possible remediate them. |
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| Keywords: |
Lead mine; Abandoned metal mine; Metal pollution; Water quality; Remediation |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This work was supported by the EU Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2), funding Aaron’s PhD, allowing this research to be undertaken. KESS 2 is a pan-Wales higher level skills initiative led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. It is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys. |
| Start Page: |
131011 |