INVESTIGATION OF HEAVY METALS DISPERSION AROUND THE MESSINA COPPER MINE TAILINGS DAM, SOUTH AFRICA

摘要

The study of the Messina copper tailings dam focused onrnthe distribution of Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe and Cd within therntailings dam and its environs. The fine-grained tailingsrnmaterial was eroded and dispersed by both wind and rainrnwater. Investigation involved sampling of mine waste andrnsoil, and sample analysis, using the AAS method torndetermine the metal values.rnThe metal concentrations were maximum within and inrnthe immediate vicinity of the tailings dam, registeringrnmaximum values of 32.9 mg/kg Pb; 2.52 mg/kg Zn; 12.59rnmg/kg Cu; 5.19 mg/kg Fe; and 1.61 mg/kg Cd. There wasrna general decrease in the concentration of Pb away fromrnthe dam in all directions. Zn was uniformly distributedrnaround the dam, although the concentrations were ratherrnlow (0.30-2.52 mg/kg). The distribution of Cu varied inrndifferent directions. For example, there was a significantrnincrease in Cu values in the western direction from 4.27rnmg/kg to 12.59 mg/kg, some 400 m away from the dam.rnFe displayed a uniform distribution pattern with valuesrnranging between 3.4-5.19 mg/kg.rnThe study recommended to the relevant authorities, thernneed to undertake mine waste management at this site.rnThere is need to rehabilitate the tailings dam.