Heavy metal contamination of surface water and groundwater in and Around Gejiu Tin Mine, Southwest China

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination due to mining activity is a global major concern because of its potential health risks to local inhabitants. The heavy metal contamination of surface water and ground water by mining activities in Gejiu tin-polymetallic mining area, Southwest China, was studied. Surface water and ground water were sampled and analyzed using AAS for Cr6+, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Se, Fe and Mn. Analysis of HCO3-, Cl-, SO42-, F-and NO3-in water samples was also undertaken by ion chromatography. It was shown that none of water samples exceeded the guideline of Cr6+, Se and Hg, while the contamination degree of heavy metals was Mn > Fe > Cd > Zn > Pb > As > Cu, all of which were serious contamination except mild contamination for Cu. The ground waters were polluted much worse than surface water.