Leaching experiments on trace element release from the arsenic-bearing tailings of Khovu-Aksy (Tuva Republic, Russia)

The study of inactive As-bearing tailings impoundments at the Khovu-Aksy mine-site (Russia) revealed high concentrations of As in the porewater of tailings solids and in their aqueous extracts, as well as in adjacent soils. In these investigations, experimental leaching of As-containing tailings was performed in the laboratory. The three types of solutions which were used in the leach experiments to model natural waters and waters of anthropogenic origin were H2O, HNO3 and NH4HCO3, and during leaching with these solutions As concentrations were maintained at 10+/-2, 16+/-1 and similar to20 mg/l. No low-pH waters were observed at the end of the leach experiments, where pH varied between 8.3 and 9.1. These alkaline pH conditions are attributed to the effect of acid consuming carbonate mineral dissolution reactions, which are also indicated by increased concentrations of Mg and Ca. Also, the solution of certain heavy metals (Co, Ni, Fe) was negligible compared to that of As, and these metals were assumed to have been conserved in the solid phase. Analysis of the leach solutions, and modeling of the results showed that As could be removed from the surface of different particles where it had been adsorbed, and also its concentration could increase with time from the breakdown of Ca(Mg)- and Ni(Co)-arsenate phases. In the absence of an effective remediation program, As release will continue to be an environmental problem. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.