Impact of mining activities on the surface water quality (case study of Khibiny mountains, Russia)

Abstract

The paper deals with present hydrological and hydrochemical regime of southern Khibiny rivers affected by apatite-nepheline mining activity. Changes in water quality resulting from mining activities include increase of water turbidity, concentrations of major ions and trace elements. The impact of mining area can be traced over 34 km downstream. We conclude that existing treatment system is not sufficient to mitigate pollutants loads leading to elevated concentrations of toxic substances in dissolved and suspended modes. The process substances concentration reduction is mainly represented by dilution, since the hydrochemical decrease is insignificant. Using trace elements migration phase distribution, the effect of treatment plants on elements distribution downstream was observed.