Water Quality of the Gualaxo do Norte and Carmo Rivers After the Fundão Dam Collapse, Mariana, MG

We investigated the effects of Fe-mining tailings Fundão dam on water quality, concerning physical and chemical parameters, aiming to infer recovery process affected areas, prospects quality in coming years. Water data from Gualaxo do Norte Carmo rivers were evaluated three moments: (i) before rupture (1999–2000), (ii) 1 year after (2016), (iii) implementation recover mitigation activities (2017–2019). Concerning variables evaluated, mean concentrations Fe Mn higher dry period, increasing turbidity was detected rainy season. The turbidity, even measures, peaked at 300 400 NTU 2017 2019, respectively. dissolved Fe, Mn, Cr, closely related tailings, decreased with rainfall by a dilution mechanism. Conversely, Cd, Al, Zn, Cu increased season, probably greater erosion. actions headwaters are helping reduce downriver, all associated tailings.