Environmental Factors and Metal Mobilisation in Alluvial Sediments—Minas Gerais, Brazil

In areas contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), knowledge of processes metal mobilisation is the basis for choice appropriate remediation methodologies. The metals a function several factors, and response to these factors must be well known during planning strategies. activity an ore metallurgical plant in South-East Brazil resulted major contamination heavy metals. Reversing contamination’s negative impact required geochemical assessment area, including physicochemical characterisation, quantification, delimitation PTEs, rating solubilisation/mobilisation capacity elements. definition spatial patterns PTEs’ distribution allowed construction risk maps which work as tool mitigation control plume. chemical analysis interstitial water selective sequential extraction methodologies showed that occur environment critical concentrations (Zn, Cd, Pb, As) are mostly associated with easily mobilised forms (soluble, exchangeable cations, Mn oxides). Given great mobility plume, any process removal material becomes unfeasible, thus strategy stream alluvial deposits based on methods situ decontamination.