Toxic Elements in Surface and Sub-Channel Waters of Rivers of the Dzhida Natural-Technogenic System

Abstract

The purpose is to identify the main processes that determine the peculiarities of toxic elements migration in surface and ground waters of the Dzhida natural-technogenic system. Materials and methods. Field studies, analysis of water and bottom sediments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray structural analysis. Results and discussion. Experimental studies of the content of toxic elements in the Modonkul River and the Myrgensheno River are presented. High contents of such elements as zinc, lead, beryllium, mercury, aluminium, iron, copper have been revealed in the composition of surface and sub-channel waters. These elements enter the rivers as a result of discharge of adit waters and polluted springs of technogenic origin. Under the infl uence of waste from ore mining and processing, a suspension of hard-to-soluble compounds is formed in the rivers, which are deposited on the river banks, carried by the wind and have a long-term negative impact on the environment. Under the infl uence of liquid and solid mining wastes, an extensive halo of groundwater contamination has formed in the area. Hypergene minerals containing weathering products of ore mineralisation are formed in groundwater discharge areas. Conclusion. Toxic elements enter surface waters with liquid industrial wastes fl owing out of the adit and as well as due to the discharge of contaminated groundwater, which enters the subsurface waters of rivers in places where waste from mining and ore processing is stored.