A re-assessment of metal pollution in the Dexing mining area in Jiangxi province, China: current status, hydro-geochemical controls, and effectiveness of remediation practices

Abstract This study re-assess the environmental impacts of Dexing copper mine (the largest open-pit in Asia) on Lean river and its two tributaries Dawu Jishui river) Jiangxi province, China, with particular focus metal pollution as well effectiveness side-effects remediation activities. Results show that mixing zone were still heavily influenced by acid drainage (AMD) loaded elevated levels metals, Mn, Ni, Al whose concentrations frequently above health-based guideline values. Manganese Ni AMD-impacted waters predicted to occur free ions or sulfate carbonate complexes, thus highly-toxic living organisms. Although was exist largely colloidal hydroxides low bioavailability, abundant formation such nano-sized particles could impair respiratory circulatory systems aquatic macro-invertebrates. The integration comparison results from current previous studies several metals (Cu, Zn, Cd) decreased significantly after 2011–2012, during which practices implemented (e.g., AMD neutralization, excavation contaminated sediments impounded rivers, rehabilitation tailings slopes). provides evidence these have effectively limited dispersion mining area. However, neutralization greatly enhanced release sulfate, making area an even more important source.