Influence of Sungun copper mine on groundwater quality,NW Iran |
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| Authors: | T Nasrabadi G R Nabi Bidhendi A R Karbassi H Hoveidi I Nasrabadi H Pezeshk F Rashidinejad |
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| Institution: | (1) Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, #25, Azin Avenue, Ghods Street, Enghelab Square, 1417853111 Tehran, Iran;(2) Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, Ahmadabad, Rahnamaie St., Mashhad, Iran;(3) School of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Tehran, Enghelab Square, Tehran, Iran;(4) Department of Mining Engineering, Technical and Engineering Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Sciences and Research Campus, Pounak, Hesarak, Tehran, Iran |
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| Abstract: | Sungun mine is the largest open-cast copper mine in northwest of Iran and is in the primary stages of extraction. The influence
of mining activity on the quality of regional groundwater has been taken in to consideration in this study. Accordingly, sampling
was done from 22 springs in the study area. The concentrations of major anions and cations as well as Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe,
Mn, and Zn were determined for all 22 spring samples in mid-August 2005. The results showed that the concentrations of most
of these elements were below the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits; however, Al and Fe concentrations are considered
to be more than limits in a couple of samples. Despite the fact that geological formations are highly weathered and fractured,
the dissolution of minerals within the study area is low. This may be justified by the relatively high alkalinity of local
underground water which keeps metals in solid phase and does not let them enter dissolved phase. Additionally, this may be
attributed to the high velocity of groundwater flows, which do not give enough time for minerals to dissolve. Correlation
coefficients among water chemistry components were determined and the weighted-pair group method was chosen for cluster analysis.
Accordingly, high correlation among Al, Fe and Cr, Cd ,and Cu, sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and Na as well as total hardness
(TH), Ca, and Mg were observed. The chemical characteristics of water compositions on the basis of major ion concentrations
were evaluated on a Schoeller and Piper diagram. Accordingly, the dominant type of water in the region is considered to be
Ca-HCO3 (calcium-bicarbonate type). However, this type of water is also rich in Na, K, and especially Mg. Regarding Schoeller diagram,
the current status of local underground water is good for drinking purposes. By commencing mining excavation with designed
capacity in near future, the minerals will come into contact with air and water resulting in dissolution, especially in ponds,
which, in turn, will increase the concentration of toxic metals in groundwater. Considering future uses of this water including
for drinking, irrigation, industrial purposes, etc., precautions must be taken in to consideration. |
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| Keywords: | Sungun copper mine Iran Groundwater |
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