Use of lead isotopes to identify pollution sources in Mexican mining sites, a case study

Mining and refining activities can pollute soils, sediments and waters through the dispersion of tailings and smelter residues and emissions containing metals and other elements. This is the case of the mining district of Villa de la Paz-Matehuala (SLP) in the Northern part of Mexico, where lead pollution has been previously reported in soils, sediments and groundwater. Health affections in the local community have also being reported. To trace the origin of lead (Pb) pollution, we have collected aquatic sediment cores at two dug wells and at a groundwater discharging point downwards of the mine. Total Pb concentrations in sediments ranged 128–541 mg/kg. The Pb isotopic ratios (LIRs;208Pb/206Pb and207Pb/206Pb) determined in some selected sediment samples were compared with those obtained from tailings suggesting a contribution of the mine residues to the sediment pollution of the studied sites. © 2010 Taylor %26 Francis Group, London.

VIVO