Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1080/10256010108033287
Title (Primary) Origin and distribution of sulphate in surface waters of the Mansfeld mining district, Central Germany
Author Strauch, G.; Schreck, P.; Nardin, G.; Gehre, M.
Source Titel Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies
Year 2001
Department ISOBIO; HDG
Volume 37
Issue 2
Page From 101
Page To 112
Language englisch
Abstract In the Mansfeld region (Central Germany) copper mining contributed to an enormous pollution of the environment. Metal- and sulphate-bearing sediments and leachates emerge from the former copper smelters and mining waste heaps, spread along local rivers and finally reach the Saale river. A sulphur isotope study on water and stream sediments was performed along the River “Böse Sieben” and from its tributaries to determine the different sulphur sources. Four major sulphur sources exist in the area: metal sulphide mineralisations (Kupferschiefer), metalliferous sulphidic flue dust, slag, and anhydrite and gypsum of Permian and Triassic age. We obtained δ34S(SO4)-values in water samples varying from +4‰ to −18‰ CDT, clearly reflecting the input of sulphate from different sources. Sulphate from the oxidation of sulphidic mining residues is restricted to the mining area and cannot be traced for more than 5 km downstream. The major source for sulphate is the dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite. The sulphur isotope composition in dissolved and sedimentary adsorbed sulphate differs only slightly from each other. Microbial dissimilatory sulphate reduction can not be excluded in the shallow sediment layers.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=6853
Strauch, G., Schreck, P., Nardin, G., Gehre, M. (2001):
Origin and distribution of sulphate in surface waters of the Mansfeld mining district, Central Germany
Isot. Environ. Health Stud. 37 (2), 101 - 112 10.1080/10256010108033287