The Impairment of River Systems by Metal Mine Contamination: A Review Including Remediation Options

Abstract

Contamination of aquatic environments as a consequence of deep metal mining for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Fe is of widespread international concern. Pollution resulting from metal mining activities can result in significant environmental and ecological degradation and can pose serious risks to human health through contamination of food and drinking water. This paper provides a review of the impacts of deep metal mine water discharges on riverine sedimentology, hydrology, and ecology and explores strategies for the restoration of rivers draining historically abandoned metal mines.

The review is concluded by identifying key recommendations for future research. An interdisciplinary approach, incorporating collaborative expertise and knowledge regarding sedimentological, hydrological, chemical, and ecological consequences of active and historic deep metal mining, is advocated and should be utilized for effective river basin management and the remediation and restoration of mining-impacted river systems.

KEY WORDS:

• acid mine drainage
• aquatic ecology
• benthic macro-invertebrate
• flood hydrochemistry
• metal mine
• mine remediation
• river sediment

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PB gratefully acknowledges the support of a Loughborough University Department of Geography Scholarship, which allowed this research to be undertaken.