Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Conference papers
Title (Primary) The Aznalcollar pit lake - water quality and options of control
Title (Secondary) 7th International Conference on acid rock drainage, St. Louis, 26.-30.3.2006
Author Schultze, M.; Friese, K.; Sánchez, J.; López, E.
Publisher Barnhisel, R.I.
Year 2006
Department SEEFO
Page From 1927
Page To 1935
Language englisch
Abstract The Aznalcóllar mine is well known since the disaster in 1998. A dam of the tailings impoundment broke and about 4 million m3 of acidic water and 2 million m3 of sludge contaminated the river system Rio Agrio-Rio Guadiamar-Rio Guadalquivir with heavy metals. A lot of research has been done to quantify the consequences of the disaster for the river system and to prove the success of the remediation measures. But little is known about the state and the perspectives of the rising lake in the former mine pit. Parts of the Aznalcóllar pit have been used to dump waste rock from the neighboring pit Los Frailes. Additionally, tailings material and contaminated soil from the river system were deposited in the former mine pit. Consequently, the pit lake sediments are very heterogeneous and highly enriched in heavy metals reaching ore-grade concentrations for some elements. Actually, the pit lake water level is regulated by pumping to stay at least 6 m below the natural groundwater level. The water is acidic (pH 3.6) and has high concentrations of metals (e.g. 800 mg/L Zn, 200 mg/L Mn, 100 mg/L Al, 2000 µg/L Cd). The major concern is that the contaminated lake water may enter the river system and the top aquifer when the lake reaches its natural water level. Based on recent knowledge, options of future remediation of the lake water quality are discussed.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3017
Schultze, M., Friese, K., Sánchez, J., López, E. (2006):
The Aznalcollar pit lake - water quality and options of control
In: Barnhisel, R.I. (ed.)
7th International Conference on acid rock drainage, St. Louis, 26.-30.3.2006
American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), Lexington, 1927 - 1935