Acid mine drainage and environmental impacts of uranium deposits

Ahmet Erdal Osmanlioglu, Deniz Adiguzel, Serkan Tuylu, Atac Bascetin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

At uranium ore deposits surface waters and local streams are important for the environment. Because these are affected by uranium-bearing acid mine drainage and dissolved uranium is moderated by dilution and sorption uptake by stream sediments. Depend on the mineral alteration and in the case of the iron existence, acid drainage forms in the streams. In this case surface waters and streams become a significant mechanism for mobilization of suspended uranium particles. The aim of this study is to assess the acid mine drainage and impacts on the surface water around uranium mine deposits. The study area includes a sedimentary type uranium deposit outcrops without mining. In this study, in-situ water samples around uranium outcrops were analyzed in the research area. These measurements were carried out by using portable water quality device. The acidity of water is expressed as pH or the logarithmic concentration of hydrogen ion concentration in water. In-situ pH measurements show that acidity of the surface water was increasing because of the excavated outcrops and uranium tailings. Radium contamination comes from the near-surface uranium deposit in this field. The water collected downstream from the outcrop’s surface have locally anomalous concentrations of radium. Fine-grained sediments downstream from the mine contain dissolved radium from uranium effluent. Analysis showed that radionuclide and the heavy metal dispersion was relatively limited in the local small area. But potential risks are available for the local ecosystem in a case of ground water contamination.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducation and Accreditation in Geosciences; Environmental Legislation, Multilateral Relations And Funding Opportunities
PublisherInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference
Pages9-14
Number of pages6
Edition31
ISBN (Print)9786197408263
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference, SGEM 2017 - Albena, Bulgaria
Duration: 29 Jun 20175 Jul 2017

Publication series

NameInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, SGEM
Number31
Volume17
ISSN (Print)1314-2704

Conference

Conference17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference, SGEM 2017
Country/TerritoryBulgaria
CityAlbena
Period29/06/175/07/17

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© SGEM2017 All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

  • Acid mine drainage
  • Environment
  • Uranium

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