RT Journal Article
T1 Surface and Groundwater Quality Evolution in the Agrio and Guadiamar Rivers After the Aznalcóllar Mine Spill (SW Spain): Lessons Learned
A1 Olías Álvarez, Manuel
A1 Ruiz Cánovas, Carlos
A1 Basallote Sánchez, María Dolores
AB The failure of the tailing dam at the Aznalcóllar mine (SW Spain) in 1998 released ≈ 6 million m3 of pyrite sludge andacidic waters, and caused an enormous environmental disaster in the Agrio and Guadiamar rivers. A small aquifer formedby recent alluvial materials deposited by both rivers was also affected. The mine closed as a result of the spill but a newproject for its reopening is currently being developed. The area covered by the spill (≈ 60 km long) was later transformedinto a protected green corridor, which connects two important natural reserves. This work describes the effectiveness of theremediation measures taken and analyzes the evolution of water quality in the area since 1980 (almost 20 years before theaccident occurred). The contaminant levels in both surface and groundwater showed a sharp decrease the first years afterthe spill, followed by a subsequent stabilization of pollution levels. Nowadays, pollutant concentrations in surface watersare even lower than those recorded before the spill, due to the cessation of mining and the effectiveness of the remediation.Despite this fast and outstanding improvement, the alluvial aquifer close to the mining zone is still polluted, with acidic pHvalues in some areas, probably due to the slow movement of groundwater together with the existence of some areas withpolluted soils. As this aquifer feeds the streams, some pollutants (e.g. Al, Cd, and Zn) reach the surface waters. Remediationof the polluted soils as well as the alluvial aquifer in this sector is strongly recommended to achieve the complete rehabilitationof the affected area.
PB Springer
SN 1616-1068
YR 2020
FD 2020-09
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10272/18947
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10272/18947
LA eng
NO Olías Álvarez, M., Ruiz Cánovas, C., & Basallote Sánchez, M. D. (2020). Surface and Groundwater Quality Evolution in the Agrio and Guadiamar Rivers After the Aznalcóllar Mine Spill (SW Spain): Lessons Learned. Mine Water and the Environment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-020-00713-7
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 31 may 2026