Heavy metals speciation analysis as a tool for studying mine tailings weathering

Abstract A sequential extraction procedure derived from Tessier et al. (1979) was applied in the area west of Montevecchio to abandoned mine tailings which give rise to a neutralised drainage highly contaminated by heavy metals. The results were compared with mineralogical studies of the weathering processes. The proposed sequential extraction procedure confirms the general alteration modalities observed in the area through mineralogical studies: i.e., a relatively easy dissolution of Zn and Cd and strong immobilisation of Fe, Mn, Cu and Ni. The behaviour of Pb and Co is intermediate. A generalization of a chemical approach to the comprehension of the weathering process is outlined, though an improvement of the methodology should include a more appropriate sequential extraction procedure capable of distinguishing siderite from iron oxyhydroxides, of leaching anglesite in a single step and of including calcium and magnesium among the analysed elements because of the role of their carbonates in buffering the drainage.