Potentially harmful elements in abandoned mine waste

Abstract

Soils are essential components of the environment therefore; soil quality must be controlled and preserved. However, the increased concentration and distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in soils by anthropogenic activities of industrial and mining resources are causing worldwide concern. The anomalous concentration of PTE may affect the soil’s environment, reducing it’s quality and therefore pollution which can be followed by an eventual accumulation through the food chain. This implies a serious risk for crops, livestock and human health. There is an increasing need to apply innovative technologies of prevention, monitoring, risk assessment and remediation, more sustainable and economical, in the context of mining site soils. In this chapter, the impact of PHEs from abandoned mine sites on the environment is discussed through case studies from Europe (NE Italy). The environmental effects recognized for these specific sites could be valid other mining sites worldwide. Some case studies highlight the toxicity assessment of contaminated soils from abandoned mining areas; others focus on the metal uptake and translocation ability in plants that can produce adverse effects on plant morphology and health and biological soil quality evaluation of abandoned mining site.