Assessing an Abandoned Pyrite Cinder Deposit in Southeast Spain with Electrical Resistivity Tomography: A Case Study

Vasconez Maza, Marco D.; Martínez-Segura, Marcos A.; Martínez-Pagán, Pedro; Bueso, María C.; Capa-Camacho, Ximena; Jabrane, Oussama; Faz, Ángel. 2024 Assessing an Abandoned Pyrite Cinder Deposit in Southeast Spain with Electrical Resistivity Tomography: A Case Study. Minerals, 14 (7), 652. 10.3390/min14070652

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/min14070652

Abstract/Summary

Industrial activities have historically generated significant quantities of by-products, including pyrite cinders, a residue produced during the synthesis of sulphuric acid. This study presents a multidisciplinary approach to characterise an abandoned pyrite cinder deposit. Combining geophysical (electrical resistivity tomography—ERT), geochemical, and statistical methods, we assess the physicochemical properties of the deposit and its environmental implications. Our findings reveal the presence of heavy metals, with lead (7017.5 mg.kg−1) being the most concentrated element on the surface of the deposit, exceeding local legal thresholds by more than 163 times, posing environmental risks and inhibiting vegetation growth. Subsurface characterisation indicates a decreasing concentration trend of metals with depth, alongside variations in pH and electrical conductivity. Clustering analysis identifies groups of similar behaviours between resistivity, the most abundant heavy metals, and other variables, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay within the deposit. Our study underscores the importance of integrated approaches in assessing and managing hazardous waste sites, with implications for environmental remediation strategies.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.3390/min14070652
ISSN:	2075-163X
Date made live:	05 Aug 2024 13:17 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537799

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.3390/min14070652

ISSN:

2075-163X

Date made live:

05 Aug 2024 13:17 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537799