Environmental Aspects of Historical Ferromanganese Tailings in the Šibenik Bay, Croatia

The former manganese ferroalloy plant and the remaining tailings are affecting quality of environment in Šibenik Bay, Croatia, even though industrial activities ceased more than 25 years ago. This study has revealed that main mineral phases present recently collected tailings, as well dust on roof during production period, bustamite Mn-oxides. same type Mn was also found sediments from Bay. Detailed chemical phase analyses (XRD, BCR sequential analysis, aqua regia lithium borate fusion) sample high values (24.1%), while granulometric analysis showed 50% particles smaller PM2.5. influence is visible sediment, but concentrations potentially toxic elements determined by within legal limits. Some higher (20.3 g/kg Mn, 595 mg/kg Pb 494 Zn) detected which still exposed to weathering such should be additionally monitored. On other hand, this material contains a considerable number could considered lucrative (∑ REE up 700 mg/kg, 23 g/kg, Fe 37 Al g/kg), opening possibility reuse recovery.