This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Mine water is normally considered as waste that has to be managed. However, new applications are increasingly being sought for the water that floods mining voids, especially in relation to its use as an energy resource. The worldwide energy market, within the current transition framework, is searching for creative approaches to produce and store clean energy. In particular, underground pumped hydroelectric energy storage systems (UPHS) constitute efficient and flexible alternatives to deal with intermittent renewable energy sources. In this work, a UPHS is designed using the mine water and the voids of a closed coal mine in Asturias (North-west Spain) as a lower reservoir. Moreover, this system is combined with a wind energy generation facility and the efficiency of the hybrid system is evaluated. With an investment cost of EUR 193 M, a 40 MW UPHES joined to a 60 MW wind farm would generate benefits of about EUR 54 M in 40 years. The reduction in CO2 emissions (29,000 equivalent tons per year) and the social benefits in a traditional mining area are other intangible advantages of this system.
Héctor Álvarez; Guillermo Domínguez; Almudena Ordóñez; Javier Menéndez; Rodrigo Álvarez; Jorge Loredo. Mine Water for the Generation and Storage of Renewable Energy: A Hybrid Hydro–Wind System. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6758 .
AMA StyleHéctor Álvarez, Guillermo Domínguez, Almudena Ordóñez, Javier Menéndez, Rodrigo Álvarez, Jorge Loredo. Mine Water for the Generation and Storage of Renewable Energy: A Hybrid Hydro–Wind System. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (13):6758.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHéctor Álvarez; Guillermo Domínguez; Almudena Ordóñez; Javier Menéndez; Rodrigo Álvarez; Jorge Loredo. 2021. "Mine Water for the Generation and Storage of Renewable Energy: A Hybrid Hydro–Wind System." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13: 6758.
Soil samples from three inactive mines, corresponding to different Arsenic-bearing mineralization types, were collected and studied. The aim was to determine the influence of mine wastes mineralogy/geochemistry and texture in As mobility and to compare results from sequential chemical extraction and microscopic techniques (optical and electron) at a grain scale. Arsenic in soils is found mainly associated to the residual fraction, indicating that mechanical As dispersion is mainly responsible for As soil pollution. The use of objective microscopic techniques (i.e., Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy -SEM-EDS-, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy -HR-TEM) has pointed out that the selected sequential extraction method overestimates the role of Mn amorphous oxy-hydroxides and organic matter in As retention while underestimating the mechanism of As adsorption onto clay particle surfaces.
Jessica Álvarez-Quintana; Rodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez. Arsenic in Soils Affected by Mining: Microscopic Studies vs. Sequential Chemical Extraction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8426 .
AMA StyleJessica Álvarez-Quintana, Rodrigo Álvarez, Almudena Ordóñez. Arsenic in Soils Affected by Mining: Microscopic Studies vs. Sequential Chemical Extraction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (22):8426.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Álvarez-Quintana; Rodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez. 2020. "Arsenic in Soils Affected by Mining: Microscopic Studies vs. Sequential Chemical Extraction." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 22: 8426.
With the aim of acquiring a better knowledge of the potential for unconventional gas resources in Spain, 134 rock samples were taken from 12 lithostratigraphic units in the Cantabrian Zone (north‐west Spain) and studied for a 3‐year period. The selected units gather, a priori, the basic conditions to constitute potential source rocks for unconventional hydrocarbons. Petrographic studies and total organic carbon analyses were carried out for all samples, whereas Rock‐Eval pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance measurements with kerogen visual analysis were performed on selected samples. Lutites, litharenites, limestones, and slates are the predominant petrographic types. In most cases, the mean total organic carbon content is below the 2% limit for good quality potential source rocks. Only the Jurassic Rodiles and Tereñes limestones show total organic carbon values above this threshold. Rock‐Eval data reveal very low potential for hydrocarbon generation in almost all cases, with the exception of the dark mudstones of the Carboniferous Barcaliente Formation and the Rodiles Formation (fair and good potential for hydrocarbon generation, respectively). As regards thermal maturation, only the Ordovician formations are located in the peak of the gas generation interval. The Barcaliente and Rodiles formations are near the frontier oil/wet gas maturation areas, and the rest of the units are immature for gas generation.
Rodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez; Paula Canteli; Eduardo De Miguel. Unconventional gas resources in the Cantabrian Zone (NW Spain): A comprehensive preliminary assessment. Geological Journal 2018, 54, 2608 -2620.
AMA StyleRodrigo Álvarez, Almudena Ordóñez, Paula Canteli, Eduardo De Miguel. Unconventional gas resources in the Cantabrian Zone (NW Spain): A comprehensive preliminary assessment. Geological Journal. 2018; 54 (4):2608-2620.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez; Paula Canteli; Eduardo De Miguel. 2018. "Unconventional gas resources in the Cantabrian Zone (NW Spain): A comprehensive preliminary assessment." Geological Journal 54, no. 4: 2608-2620.
Persistence and bioavailability of heavy metals in soils adjacent to ancient Cu mines continues to be a possible threat to human health. However, there have been very few studies to determine this risk. Asturias (Northwest of Spain) is a Cu metallogenic province with abundant epithermal-type deposits, whose paragenetic sequences also include As, Co, Ni, Sb and Hg minerals. Several Cu mines have been worked in this region since prehistoric times and the six most significant ones are studied in this work to provide new insights into the potential for both contemporary and past contamination due to Cu mining to impact human health. The main characteristics of each deposit were defined by means of optical and scanning-electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Electron Probe Micro Analysis. These characteristics were used to better interpret the environmental results, obtained from samples of mining wastes, soils and waters, which were analyzed by means of X-ray fluorescence and ICP-MS. Many of these mines are almost forgotten, but their negative effects will endure over time, since they were abandoned long before the introduction of environmental regulations to control metal release. An inheritance of derelict mine facilities and spoil heaps still remains in the sites of this district. The spoil heaps are the main pollution sources and concentrations of up to 2.1% Cu and 0.4% As, among others, were found in the surrounding soils. The potential adverse health effects of the exposure to these elements have been assessed, finding significant risks for potential receptors, such as farmers or local residents.
R. Álvarez; A. Ordóñez; A. Pérez; E. De Miguel; S. Charlesworth. Mineralogical and environmental features of the asturian copper mining district (Spain): A review. Engineering Geology 2018, 243, 206 -217.
AMA StyleR. Álvarez, A. Ordóñez, A. Pérez, E. De Miguel, S. Charlesworth. Mineralogical and environmental features of the asturian copper mining district (Spain): A review. Engineering Geology. 2018; 243 ():206-217.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Álvarez; A. Ordóñez; A. Pérez; E. De Miguel; S. Charlesworth. 2018. "Mineralogical and environmental features of the asturian copper mining district (Spain): A review." Engineering Geology 243, no. : 206-217.
Extensive spatial and temporal surveys, over 15 years, have been conducted in soil in urban parks and street dusts in one of the most polluted cities in western Europe, Avilés (NW Spain). The first survey was carried out in 1996, and since then monitoring has been undertaken every five years. Whilst the sampling site is a relatively small town, industrial activities (mainly the steel industry and Zn and Al metallurgy) and other less significant urban sources, such as traffic, strongly affect the load of heavy metals in the urban aerosol. Elemental tracers have been used to characterise the influence of these sources on the composition of soil and dust. Although PM10 has decreased over these years as a result of environmental measures undertaken in the city, some of the “industrial” elements still remain in concentrations of concern for example, up to 4.6% and 0.5% of Zn in dust and soil, respectively. Spatial trends in metals such as Zn and Cd clearly reflect sources from the processing industries. The concentrations of these elements across Europe have reduced over time, however the most recent results from Avilés revealed an upward trend in concentration for Zn, Cd, Hg and As. A risk assessment of the soil highlighted As as an element of concern since its cancer risk in adults was more than double the value above which regulatory agencies deem it to be unacceptable. If children were considered to be the receptors, then the risk nearly doubles from this element
A. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; E. De Miguel; S. Charlesworth. Spatial and temporal variations of trace element distribution in soils and street dust of an industrial town in NW Spain: 15years of study. Science of The Total Environment 2015, 524-525, 93 -103.
AMA StyleA. Ordóñez, R. Álvarez, E. De Miguel, S. Charlesworth. Spatial and temporal variations of trace element distribution in soils and street dust of an industrial town in NW Spain: 15years of study. Science of The Total Environment. 2015; 524-525 ():93-103.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; E. De Miguel; S. Charlesworth. 2015. "Spatial and temporal variations of trace element distribution in soils and street dust of an industrial town in NW Spain: 15years of study." Science of The Total Environment 524-525, no. : 93-103.
Although the natural permeability of rocks in the Asturian Central Coal Basin (NW Spain) is generally low, intensive mining activities over many decades has given rise to fracture flow paths that are far more permeable than those associated with the natural lithology. Abandoned and flooded mining works set up artificial ‘pseudo‐karst’ aquifers, which can act as underground reservoirs, with many potential applications. In particular, a mining reservoir shaped by two connected mining shafts within the River Turón basin has been studied. A runoff model was used to produce accurate simulations of streamflow in three different gauging stations during a monitored period of 2 years. The purpose was to use this model in the forecast situation, in order to predict long‐term situations in a hydrogeological FEFLOW model. It was necessary to develop depletion curves for each gauging station based on the available daily effective rainfall and measured flow data, as well as the knowledge of the basin characteristics. The resulting simulated hydrographs were very similar to the measured hydrographs during the monitored period, so the adequate adjusting allows input of the flow for forecast purposes. The model produced forecast hydrographs that had a r = 0.8 and difference in annual volume ranging from 1.6% to 5%. The defined model was applied to a rainfall data set of 30 years, and the average recharge from the river to the mining reservoir could be adequately estimated. The method developed needs to be refined and tested on additional years, but the approach appears to be applicable to operational runoff forecasting for numerical models input data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A. Ordóñez; C. Andrés; R. Álvarez. Forecasting of Hydrographs to Simulate Long Term Recharge From Rivers in Numerical Models of Mining Reservoirs; Application to A Coal Mine in NW Spain. River Research and Applications 2015, 32, 552 -560.
AMA StyleA. Ordóñez, C. Andrés, R. Álvarez. Forecasting of Hydrographs to Simulate Long Term Recharge From Rivers in Numerical Models of Mining Reservoirs; Application to A Coal Mine in NW Spain. River Research and Applications. 2015; 32 (4):552-560.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Ordóñez; C. Andrés; R. Álvarez. 2015. "Forecasting of Hydrographs to Simulate Long Term Recharge From Rivers in Numerical Models of Mining Reservoirs; Application to A Coal Mine in NW Spain." River Research and Applications 32, no. 4: 552-560.
15th Annual Conference of the International-Association-for-Mathematical-Geosciences (IAMG). (SEP 02-06, 2013, Madrid, SPAIN
Clara Andrés Arias; María Almudena Ordóñez Alonso; Rodrigo Álvarez García. Hydrogeological and Thermal Modelling of an Underground Mining Reservoir. Lecture Notes in Earth System Sciences 2013, 419 -423.
AMA StyleClara Andrés Arias, María Almudena Ordóñez Alonso, Rodrigo Álvarez García. Hydrogeological and Thermal Modelling of an Underground Mining Reservoir. Lecture Notes in Earth System Sciences. 2013; ():419-423.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClara Andrés Arias; María Almudena Ordóñez Alonso; Rodrigo Álvarez García. 2013. "Hydrogeological and Thermal Modelling of an Underground Mining Reservoir." Lecture Notes in Earth System Sciences , no. : 419-423.
Mercury is of particular concern amongst global environmental pollutants, with abundant contaminated sites worldwide, many of which are associated with mining activities. Asturias (Northwest of Spain) can be considered an Hg metallogenic province with abundant epithermal-type deposits, whose paragenetic sequences include also As-rich minerals. These mines were abandoned long before the introduction of any environmental regulations to control metal release from these sources. Consequently, the environment is globally affected, as high metal concentrations have been found in soils, waters, sediments, plants, and air. In this paper, a characterization of the environmental affection caused by Hg mining in nine Asturian mine sites is presented, with particular emphasis in Hg and As contents. Hg concentrations found in the studied milieu are similar and even higher than those reported in previous studies for other mercury mining districts (mainly Almadén and Idrija). Furthermore, the potential adverse health effects of exposure to these elements in the considered sites in this district have been assessed.
A. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; J. Loredo. Asturian mercury mining district (Spain) and the environment: a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2013, 20, 7490 -7508.
AMA StyleA. Ordóñez, R. Álvarez, J. Loredo. Asturian mercury mining district (Spain) and the environment: a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2013; 20 (11):7490-7508.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; J. Loredo. 2013. "Asturian mercury mining district (Spain) and the environment: a review." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 20, no. 11: 7490-7508.
The Asturian Central Coal Basin (NW Spain) is generally characterized by moderately porous and permeable rocks, such as sandstone, limestone, and shale. Groundwater mostly flows through open fractures, voids, and decompression zones associated with coal mining. Exploitation of water resources in former coal mines could contribute to the economic well-being of communities affected by closure. The potential value of mine water associated with the flooded Barredo and Figaredo mine shafts near the town of Mieres was studied. This reservoir could supply water for 60,000 people; this could possibly be doubled by co-managing the river flow and underground resources. We studied the potential recovery of energy from the thermal value of this mine water (using water-to-water heat pumps). Two district heating systems are proposed: a low-temperature network (35 °C) for domestic heating and a very-low temperature network (20 °C) for large users, such as shopping centres, that need both heating and cooling. Return flow to the reservoir can generate electricity by means of micro-turbines. Preliminary estimates of profitability appear favourable, along with a sizable reduction in CO2 emissions compared to natural gas heating. Extrapolation of these results to other mine water reservoirs in Central Asturias implies a potential of 40 million m3 per year for water supply, and an energy supply capacity close to 260,000 thermal MWh per year. Das Zentrale Kohlebecken von Asturien (NW Spanien) ist generell durch relativ poröse und durchlässige Gesteine gekennzeichnet wie Sandstein, Kalkstein und Schiefer. Das Grundwasser fließt vor allem durch offene Bruchstrukturen, Hohlräume und die durch den Kohlebergbau verursachten Absenkungsbereiche. Die Nutzung der Wasserressourcen könnte zum wirtschaftlichen Wohlstand der durch die Bergbauschließung betroffenen Gemeinden beitragen. Es wurde der potentielle Wert des Grubenwassers der gefluteten Schächte Barredo und Figaredo nahe der Stadt Mieres untersucht. Diese Vorräte könnten 60 000 Menschen mit Wasser versorgen. Eine gemeinsame Bewirtschaftung von Grundwasser und Flusswasser könnte das vermutlich noch verdoppeln. Wir untersuchten außerdem, die mögliche Gewinnung von Wärme aus dem Grubenwasser (bei Nutzung von Wasser–Wasser-Wärmepumpen). Zwei Heizungssysteme werden vorgeschlagen: ein Netzwerk mit 35 °C für kommunale Heizungen und ein Netzwerk mit 20 °C für Großnutzer wie z.B. Einkaufszentren, die sowohl Heizung als auch Kühlung benötigen. Der Rückfluss in die Schächte kann mittels Mikroturbinen Elektroenergie liefern. Vorläufige Abschätzungen der Profitabilität gemeinsam mit der entsprechenden Einsparung von CO2-Emissionen aus Gasheitzungen sind vielversprechend. Die Extrapolation auf andere Grubenwasservorräte in Zentral-Asturien lassen ein Potential von 40 Millionen m3 pro Jahr für die Wasserversorgung und eine Wärmeversorgungskapazität von nahezu 260 000 MWh pro Jahr erwarten. La cuenca carbonífera central asturiana (NW de España) es generalmente caracterizada por rocas moderadamente porosas y permeables, tales como arenisca, caliza y esquisto. El agua subterránea mayoritariamente fluye a través de fracturas abiertas, huecos y zonas de descompresión asociadas con la minería de extracción del carbón. La explotación de los recursos acuíferos en las antiguas minas de carbón podría contribuir a mejorar económicamente a las comunidades afectadas por la clausura de la mina. Se estudió el valor potencial del agua de mina asociada con las minas inundadas Barredo y Figaredo cerca del pueblo de Mieres. Este reservorio podría proporcionar agua para 60.000 personas; este suministro podría posiblemente ser duplicado por el manejo conjunto del flujo del río y los recursos subterráneos. Hemos estudiado la potencial recuperación de energía del valor termal del agua de mina (usando bombas de calentamiento agua–agua). Dos sistemas de calefacción fueron propuestos: una red de baja temperatura (35 °C) para calefacción doméstica y una red de muy baja temperatura (20 °C) para grandes usuarios tales como shoppings, que necesitan tanto calentamiento como enfriamiento. El flujo de retorno al reservorio podría generar electricidad por medio de microturbinas. Las estimaciones preliminares sobre la factibilidad de ese emprendimiento parecen favorables, además de una considerable reducción de las emisiones de CO2 comparadas con el calentamiento con gas natural. La extrapolación de estos resultados a otros reservorios de agua de mina en las Asturias centrales, implica un potencial de 40 millones de m3 por año para suministro de agua y una capacidad de suministro de energía cercana a 260000 MWh por año. 西班牙西北(NW Spain)阿斯图里亚斯(Asturias)中央聚煤盆地(Central Coal Basin)的砂岩、灰岩和页岩等地层以中等孔隙性和导水性为特征。地下水流经地层内张开裂隙、空隙及采空区裂隙。采空区水资源再开发有助于受闭坑影响生活区的经济发展。文章研究了米尔瑞斯(Mieres)镇两个已闭坑、充水的巴利多(Barredo)矿和弗哥莱多(Figaredo)矿的矿井水开发利用价值。闭坑矿井的采空区水资源量足为60,000人供水;如果实行地表水资源与地下水资源联合调度管理,供水能力还将成倍增长。基于水源热汞技术,研究了矿井水的热能利用价值。提出两套辖区供热系统方案:一个是低温供暖网(35 °C),用于生活供暖;另一个是极低温供热网(20 °C),适于更广大用户,如商业中心致冷与致热等。返回采空区的回水实现微涡轮技术发电。初步经济分析表明,矿井水开发利用经济效益明显,还能大幅减少二氧化碳排放(与较天然气加热系统相比)。如果将阿斯图里亚斯(Asturias)中央聚煤盆地其它矿井水资源也充分利用,将意味着每年40 × 106...
Santiago Jardón; Almudena Ordóñez; Rodrigo Álvarez; Pablo Cienfuegos; Jorge Loredo. Mine Water for Energy and Water Supply in the Central Coal Basin of Asturias (Spain). Mine Water and the Environment 2013, 32, 139 -151.
AMA StyleSantiago Jardón, Almudena Ordóñez, Rodrigo Álvarez, Pablo Cienfuegos, Jorge Loredo. Mine Water for Energy and Water Supply in the Central Coal Basin of Asturias (Spain). Mine Water and the Environment. 2013; 32 (2):139-151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSantiago Jardón; Almudena Ordóñez; Rodrigo Álvarez; Pablo Cienfuegos; Jorge Loredo. 2013. "Mine Water for Energy and Water Supply in the Central Coal Basin of Asturias (Spain)." Mine Water and the Environment 32, no. 2: 139-151.
Hydrogeologically, the Central Coal Basin (Asturias, Spain) is characterized by predominantly low-permeability materials that make up a multilayer aquifer with very low porosity and permeability values, where the sandstones act as limited aquifers, and wackes, mudstones, shales and coal seams act as confining levels. Preferential groundwater flow paths are open fractures and zones of decompression associated with them, so the hydraulic behaviour of the system is more associated with fracturing than lithology. Thus, abandoned and flooded mines in the area acquire an important role in the management of water resources, setting up an artificial “pseudo-karst” aquifer. This paper evaluates the potential application of the abandoned mines as underground reservoirs, both for water supply and energetic use, mainly through heat pumps and small hydropower plants. In particular, the groundwater reservoir shaped by the connected shafts Barredo and Figaredo has been chosen, and a detailed and multifaceted study has been undertaken in the area. The exposed applications fit with an integrated management of water resources and contribute to improve economic and social conditions of a traditional mining area in gradual decline due to the cessation of such activity.
A. Ordóñez; S. Jardón; R. Álvarez; C. Andrés; F. Pendás. Hydrogeological definition and applicability of abandoned coal mines as water reservoirs. Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2012, 14, 2127 -2136.
AMA StyleA. Ordóñez, S. Jardón, R. Álvarez, C. Andrés, F. Pendás. Hydrogeological definition and applicability of abandoned coal mines as water reservoirs. Journal of Environmental Monitoring. 2012; 14 (8):2127-2136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Ordóñez; S. Jardón; R. Álvarez; C. Andrés; F. Pendás. 2012. "Hydrogeological definition and applicability of abandoned coal mines as water reservoirs." Journal of Environmental Monitoring 14, no. 8: 2127-2136.
Analytical results of soil samples taken in three different mercury mining sites in Northern Spain are studied to assess the potential adverse health effects of the exposure to trace elements associated with the mining process. Doses contacted through ingestion and inhalation and the dose absorbed through the skin were calculated using USEPA's exposure parameters and the US Department of Energy's toxicity values. The results of the risk assessment indicate that the highest risk is associated with ingestion of soil particles and that the trace element of major concern is arsenic, the exposure to which results in a high cancer risk value for all the sites ranging from 3.3 × 10−5 to 3.6 × 10−3, well above the 1 × 10−5 probability level deemed unacceptable by most regulatory agencies. Regarding non-cancer effects, exposure to polluted soils yields an aggregate hazard index above the threshold value of 1 for all three sites, with As and Hg as the main contributors. Risk assessment has proven to be a very useful tool to identify the contaminants and exposure pathways of most concern in the soils from metal mining sites, as well as to categorize them in terms of action priority to ensure fitness for use.
A. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; Susanne Charlesworth; Eduardo De Miguel; J. Loredo. Risk assessment of soils contaminated by mercury mining, Northern Spain. Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2011, 13, 128 -136.
AMA StyleA. Ordóñez, R. Álvarez, Susanne Charlesworth, Eduardo De Miguel, J. Loredo. Risk assessment of soils contaminated by mercury mining, Northern Spain. Journal of Environmental Monitoring. 2011; 13 (1):128-136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Ordóñez; R. Álvarez; Susanne Charlesworth; Eduardo De Miguel; J. Loredo. 2011. "Risk assessment of soils contaminated by mercury mining, Northern Spain." Journal of Environmental Monitoring 13, no. 1: 128-136.
We review the evolution, state of the art and future lines of research on the sources, transport pathways, and sinks of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments to include the atmosphere, soils, and street and indoor dusts. Such studies reveal reductions in the emissions of some elements of historical concern such as Pb, with interest consequently focusing on other toxic trace elements such as As, Cd, Hg, Zn, and Cu. While establishment of levels of these elements is important in assessing the potential impacts of human society on the urban environment, it is also necessary to apply this knowledge in conjunction with information on the toxicity of those trace elements and the degree of exposure of human receptors to an assessment of whether such contamination represents a real risk to the city’s inhabitants and therefore how this risk can be addressed.
S. Charlesworth; Eduardo De Miguel; A. Ordóñez. A review of the distribution of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments and its application to considerations of risk. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2010, 33, 103 -123.
AMA StyleS. Charlesworth, Eduardo De Miguel, A. Ordóñez. A review of the distribution of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments and its application to considerations of risk. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2010; 33 (2):103-123.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Charlesworth; Eduardo De Miguel; A. Ordóñez. 2010. "A review of the distribution of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments and its application to considerations of risk." Environmental Geochemistry and Health 33, no. 2: 103-123.
Systematic monitoring of surface waters in the area of abandoned mine sites constitutes an essential step in the characterisation of pollution from historic mine sites. The analytical data collected throughout a hydrologic period can be used for hydrological modelling and also to select appropriate preventive and/or corrective measures in order to avoid pollution of watercourses. Caudal River drains the main abandoned Hg mine sites (located in Mieres and Pola de Lena districts) in Central Asturias (NW Spain). This paper describes a systematic monitoring of physical and chemical parameters in eighteen selected sampling points within the Caudal River catchment. At each sampling station, water flow, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, redox potential and turbidity were controlled “in situ” and major and trace elements were analysed in the laboratory. In the Hg-mineralised areas, As is present in the form of As-rich pyrite, realgar and occasionally arsenopyrite. Mine drainage and leachates from spoil heaps exhibit in some cases acidic conditions and high As contents, and they are incorporated to Caudal River tributaries. Multivariate statistical analysis aids to the interpretation of the spatial and temporary variations found in the sampled areas, as part of a methodology applicable to different environmental and geological studies.
Jorge Loredo; María Dolores Petit Domínguez; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; María Pilar Galán; Rodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Rodrigo Alvarez; María Isabel Rucandio. Surface water monitoring in the mercury mining district of Asturias (Spain). Journal of Hazardous Materials 2010, 176, 323 -332.
AMA StyleJorge Loredo, María Dolores Petit Domínguez, Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso, María Pilar Galán, Rodolfo Fernández-Martínez, Rodrigo Alvarez, María Isabel Rucandio. Surface water monitoring in the mercury mining district of Asturias (Spain). Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2010; 176 (1-3):323-332.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Loredo; María Dolores Petit Domínguez; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; María Pilar Galán; Rodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Rodrigo Alvarez; María Isabel Rucandio. 2010. "Surface water monitoring in the mercury mining district of Asturias (Spain)." Journal of Hazardous Materials 176, no. 1-3: 323-332.
The Cu–Co–Ni Texeo mine has been the most important source of Cu in NW Spain since Roman times and now, approximately 40,000 m3 of wastes from mine and metallurgical operations, containing average concentrations of 9,263 mg kg−1 Cu, 1,100 mg kg−1 As, 549 mg kg−1 Co, and 840 mg kg−1 Ni, remain on-site. Since the cessation of the activity, the abandoned works, facilities and waste piles have been posing a threat to the environment, derived from the release of toxic elements. In order to assess the potential environmental pollution caused by the mining operations, a sequential sampling strategy was undertaken in wastes, soil, surface and groundwater, and sediments. First, screening field tools were used to identify hotspots, before defining formal sampling strategies; so, in the areas where anomalies were detected in a first sampling stage, a second detailed sampling campaign was undertaken. Metal concentrations in the soils are highly above the local background, reaching up to 9,921 mg kg−1 Cu, 1,373 mg kg−1 As, 685 mg kg−1 Co, and 1,040 mg kg−1 Ni, among others. Copper concentrations downstream of the mine works reach values up to 1,869 μg l−1 and 240 mg kg−1 in surface water and stream sediments, respectively. Computer-based risk assessment for the site gives a carcinogenic risk associated with the presence of As in surface waters and soils, and a health risk for long exposures; so, trigger levels of these elements are high enough to warrant further investigation.
J. Loredo; R. Álvarez; A. Ordóñez; T. Bros. Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Texeo Cu–Co mine site (NW Spain): screening tools for environmental assessment. Environmental Earth Sciences 2007, 55, 1299 -1310.
AMA StyleJ. Loredo, R. Álvarez, A. Ordóñez, T. Bros. Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Texeo Cu–Co mine site (NW Spain): screening tools for environmental assessment. Environmental Earth Sciences. 2007; 55 (6):1299-1310.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Loredo; R. Álvarez; A. Ordóñez; T. Bros. 2007. "Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Texeo Cu–Co mine site (NW Spain): screening tools for environmental assessment." Environmental Earth Sciences 55, no. 6: 1299-1310.
Eighty samples of sandy substrate were collected in November 2002 and 2003, from 20 municipal playgrounds in Madrid (Spain) to assess the potential adverse health effects of the exposure of children to trace elements in this material during their games. In each playground, two 500 g samples were collected, dried at 45 degrees C for 48 h, sieved below 100 microm, acid digested and analyzed by ICP-MS. Doses contacted through ingestion and inhalation and the dose absorbed through the skin were calculated using USEPAs hourly exposure parameters for children and the results of an in situ survey. The toxicity values considered in this study were mostly taken from the US DoEs RAIS compilation. The results of the risk assessment indicate that the highest risk is associated with ingestion of soil particles and that the trace element of most concern is arsenic, the exposure to which results in a cancer risk value of 4.19 x 10(-6), close to the 1 x 10(-5) probability level deemed unacceptable by most regulatory agencies. Regarding non-cancer effects, exposure to playground substrate yields an aggregate Hazard Index of 0.28, below the threshold value of 1 (with As, again, as the largest single contributor, followed by Pb, Cr, Al and Mn). Although the uncertainties associated with the estimates of toxicity values and exposure factors should be reduced before any definite conclusions regarding potential health effects are drawn, risk assessment has proven to be a very useful tool to identify the contaminants and exposure pathways of most concern in urban environments.
E. De Miguel; I. Iribarren; E. Chacón; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; Susanne Charlesworth. Risk-based evaluation of the exposure of children to trace elements in playgrounds in Madrid (Spain). Chemosphere 2007, 66, 505 -513.
AMA StyleE. De Miguel, I. Iribarren, E. Chacón, Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso, Susanne Charlesworth. Risk-based evaluation of the exposure of children to trace elements in playgrounds in Madrid (Spain). Chemosphere. 2007; 66 (3):505-513.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. De Miguel; I. Iribarren; E. Chacón; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; Susanne Charlesworth. 2007. "Risk-based evaluation of the exposure of children to trace elements in playgrounds in Madrid (Spain)." Chemosphere 66, no. 3: 505-513.
Mercury concentrations are usually significant in historic Hg mining districts all over the world, so the atmospheric environment is potentially affected. In Asturias, northern Spain, past mining operations have left a legacy of ruins and Hg-rich wastes, soils and sediments in abandoned sites. Total Hg concentrations in the ambient air of these abandoned mine sites have been investigated to evaluate the impact of the Hg emissions. This paper presents the synthesis of current knowledge about atmospheric Hg contents in the area of the abandoned Hg mining and smelting works at 'La Peña-El Terronal' and La Soterraña, located in Mieres and Pola de Lena districts, respectively, both within the Caudal River basin. It was found that average atmospheric Hg concentrations are higher than the background level in the area (0.1 microg Nm(-3)), reaching up to 203.7 microg Nm(-3) at 0.2 m above the ground level, close to the old smelting chimney at El Terronal mine site. Data suggest that past Hg mining activities have big influences on the increased Hg concentrations around abandoned sites and that atmospheric transfer is a major pathway for Hg cycling in these environments.
Jorge Loredo; Jorge Soto; Rodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso. Atmospheric Monitoring at Abandoned Mercury Mine Sites in Asturias (NW Spain). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2006, 130, 201 -214.
AMA StyleJorge Loredo, Jorge Soto, Rodrigo Álvarez, Almudena Ordóñez, Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso. Atmospheric Monitoring at Abandoned Mercury Mine Sites in Asturias (NW Spain). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2006; 130 (1-3):201-214.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Loredo; Jorge Soto; Rodrigo Álvarez; Almudena Ordóñez; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso. 2006. "Atmospheric Monitoring at Abandoned Mercury Mine Sites in Asturias (NW Spain)." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 130, no. 1-3: 201-214.
This paper presents the results of the sampling surveys carried out in order to evaluate the environmental problems associated to La Soterraña, an abandoned Hg mine in Asturias, north of Spain. In particular, this paper overviews the impact of mining and metallurgical activities on terrestrial and aquatic environments. The wastes generated during the mining activity (ore extraction and processing) and later accumulated on the ground, contain great amount of sulphides, becoming potentially acid-generating. Consequently, the mobility of heavy metals and other ecotoxic elements is enhanced. Wastes are generally located close to watercourses and on very steep hillsides, where they are exposed to oxidative weathering, posing a significant risk due to the release of ecotoxic elements to the environment. Background levels were determined at sites, which had not been directly affected by mercury mining. A multielemental geochemical study of mining wastes, soils, stream sediments, water and air samples collected in the area of influence of the old mining and metallurgical works was carried out. Total Hg and As concentrations in soils reach values up to 502 and 19,940 mg kg−1, respectively, 500 and 2000 times higher than the local background levels. The effects of mining seem to be intense both in waters and stream sediments, as well as in the local atmosphere, whose Hg content is 10 times higher than the background level in the area. Therefore, the target carcinogenic risk was exceeded for As and Hg in La Soterraña site.
J Loredo; A Ordóñez; R Alvarez. Environmental impact of toxic metals and metalloids from the Muñón Cimero mercury-mining area (Asturias, Spain). Journal of Hazardous Materials 2006, 136, 455 -467.
AMA StyleJ Loredo, A Ordóñez, R Alvarez. Environmental impact of toxic metals and metalloids from the Muñón Cimero mercury-mining area (Asturias, Spain). Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2006; 136 (3):455-467.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ Loredo; A Ordóñez; R Alvarez. 2006. "Environmental impact of toxic metals and metalloids from the Muñón Cimero mercury-mining area (Asturias, Spain)." Journal of Hazardous Materials 136, no. 3: 455-467.
Soils from old cinnabar mining areas usually exhibit high Hg contents, whose mobility depends on soil parameters and environmental conditions. This paper presents the study of the Hg speciation in soil samples from an abandoned Hg mine and metallurgical plant in Mieres (Asturias, Spain), in relation to their mineralogical and chemical composition and their particle-size distribution. A characterization of samples was made by X-Ray Diffraction Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy analyses. A sequential extraction method was applied to establish Hg mobility in the samples and their grain-size subsamples. The highest Hg mobility was found in well-developed soils, as a consequence of the adsorption processes by iron and manganese oxides, whereas in those more contaminated soils, a higher proportion of Hg was leached in the non-mobile fraction. A higher Hg mobility was found in the finest grain-size subsamples, probably due to the accumulation of clay minerals and oxides in these ranges.
Rodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Jorge Loredo; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; María Isabel Rucandio. Physicochemical characterization and mercury speciation of particle-size soil fractions from an abandoned mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain). Environmental Pollution 2006, 142, 217 -226.
AMA StyleRodolfo Fernández-Martínez, Jorge Loredo, Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso, María Isabel Rucandio. Physicochemical characterization and mercury speciation of particle-size soil fractions from an abandoned mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain). Environmental Pollution. 2006; 142 (2):217-226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Jorge Loredo; Almudena Ordóñez-Alonso; María Isabel Rucandio. 2006. "Physicochemical characterization and mercury speciation of particle-size soil fractions from an abandoned mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain)." Environmental Pollution 142, no. 2: 217-226.
A water reservoir constructed for production of hydraulic energy and drinking water in the Riaño valley (León, northern Spain) receives leachates from polluted soils and spoil heaps from a site where small-scale As mining and smelting operations have been developed in the first half of the twentieth century. Water of the upper catchments of the Esla, Yuso and Orza Rivers is stored in this reservoir. The location of these abandoned mine works within the reservoir drainage basin suggested that the stored water could contain high As concentrations. In order to evaluate possible environmental risks, a preliminary soil and surface water geochemical survey has been carried out downstream of the Santa Águeda Mine. Total As concentrations in soils reach 23,800 mg kg−1 in soils and increase with depth, at least up to a depth of 80 cm. Total As concentrations in surface waters reach 890 μg l−1. Despite the fact that there is an important As input to the water reservoir, the water flow from the mine catchment is a negligible contribution when compared with the total volume of water inside the dam (0.07%). This fact considerably decreases the environmental risk associated with the presence of untreated spoil heaps containing As-rich minerals at Santa Águeda mine site.
R. Alvarez; A. Ordóñez; J. Loredo. Geochemical assessment of an arsenic mine adjacent to a water reservoir (León, Spain). Environmental Earth Sciences 2006, 50, 873 -884.
AMA StyleR. Alvarez, A. Ordóñez, J. Loredo. Geochemical assessment of an arsenic mine adjacent to a water reservoir (León, Spain). Environmental Earth Sciences. 2006; 50 (6):873-884.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Alvarez; A. Ordóñez; J. Loredo. 2006. "Geochemical assessment of an arsenic mine adjacent to a water reservoir (León, Spain)." Environmental Earth Sciences 50, no. 6: 873-884.
Mercury content in soils near abandoned mine wastes in the mercury mining area of Mieres (Asturias, Spain) is highly elevated as a result of the long period of mining and abundant Hg production. In this work, an evaluation of Hg concentration, distribution, and mobility in three soil samples from the immediate vicinity of a chimney used for vapour evacuation during pyrometallurgical treatment of the ore was carried out. For that purpose, total Hg contents were determined for the original samples and their grain-size subsamples. The study of mercury mobility in the original samples and in the different particle-size subsamples was made by the application of a sequential extraction method. Results showed that Hg concentration in soils decreases directly with the distance from the chimney and the dispersion of Hg is not influenced by the topographic height of the site tested. The sample collected in the base of the chimney exhibited appreciable amounts of mobile Hg. In general, a higher Hg concentration was found for the finest particle-size subsamples. Hg mobility was found to be higher for quite developed soils. The sample collected downstream from the chimney showed a significant Hg mobile content as a result of a more intensive weathering. An increase of Hg mobility at decreasing particle size was found in all three analysed samples.
Rodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Jorge Loredo; Almudena Ordóñez; María Isabel Rucandio. Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils from an old mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain). Science of The Total Environment 2005, 346, 200 -212.
AMA StyleRodolfo Fernández-Martínez, Jorge Loredo, Almudena Ordóñez, María Isabel Rucandio. Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils from an old mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain). Science of The Total Environment. 2005; 346 (1-3):200-212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRodolfo Fernández-Martínez; Jorge Loredo; Almudena Ordóñez; María Isabel Rucandio. 2005. "Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils from an old mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain)." Science of The Total Environment 346, no. 1-3: 200-212.