Arsenic groundwater contamination from mining

The tables and maps in this appendix list the locations of prominent areas with arsenic-contaminated groundwater, geothermal waters, and/or substantial arsenic-bearing rocks and mining wastes. Additionally, there are countless sites that have local waters, sediments, and soils that have been contaminated by arsenic from chemical manufacturing facilities, pesticide applications, and individual mines. These small-scale areas, which include hundreds of Superfund sites in the United States, are too numerous and poorly documented to list in this appendix. Appendix B in US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) (2002) lists the locations of Superfund sites where arsenic is a contaminant of concern. 

This chapter focuses on cases of severe and extensive arsenic contamination of groundwater at various locations around the world. With the exception of mining, the discussions include instances in which human activities have induced or exacerbated the contamination. Very localized cases of groundwater pollution resulting from the use of arsenical compounds (such as pesticides) or arsenic-contaminated products are... 

Another environmental problem associated with sulfur is called acid mine drainage. Groundwater in both coal and metal sulfide mines can become contaminated with sulfuric acid. This is particularly a problem in the coal mines of the Appalachian Mountains. Coal deposits often contain pyrites. Metal ores can include toxic salts of zinc, lead, arsenic, copper, and aluminum. In both cases, acid mine drainage can kill fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as corrode boats and piers. Streams sometimes turn red in color because of the iron content from the mine... 

Scrubber sludge has also been used as a substitute backfill for regrading mine sites that are deficient in spoil for the establishment of the desired grade. Combustion by-products may contain high surface concentrations of arsenic, selenium, and boron. These elements are often quickly depleted from by-products. There is also the suggestion that combustion by-products will clean, rather than contaminate groundwater (Paul et al., 1993a,b). 

---