IMPACT OF POLLUTED ACIDIC WATERS DISCHARGED FROM TREPCA Pb-Zn MINES, KOSOVO, ON THE POLLUTION OF CROSS-BORDER RIVERS IN THE REGION | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

2648340

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

IMPACT OF POLLUTED ACIDIC WATERS DISCHARGED FROM TREPCA Pb-Zn MINES, KOSOVO, ON THE POLLUTION OF CROSS-BORDER RIVERS IN THE REGION

Author(s)

Vitaku, A; Baruti, B; Malollari, I; Shala, F

Year

2013

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology
ISSN: 1311-5065

Volume

Issue

Page Numbers

29-34

Web of Science Id

WOS:000317437400004

Abstract

Sulphide minerals of Pb and Zn (galenite and sphalerite), together with minerals: halcopyrite - Cu2S, pyrites and marcasyte - FeS2, luzonite - Cu2AsS4, etc., with oxidation-reducing reactions, in contact with air and underground waters from the mines, form acid water by dissolving toxic metals in acid waters, according to the following chemical mechanism: 4FeS(2) + 15O(2) + 14H(2)O = 4Fe(OH)(3) + 8SO(4)(2-) + 16H(+). Acid waters with dissolved toxic metals in these waters are always a potential source of contamination for a wide region. These acidic toxic waters in further leak from underground mines pollute the underground and surface waters, especially the wells around and in the vicinity of the mines, rivers and potable water. These waters in further leaking are a potential danger for pollution of cross-border waters.

Keywords

polluted acidic waters; Pb-Zn mines; heavy metals; cross-border pollution