ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Release Mechanism and Stabilization Effect
of Sb and As: A Case Study of the Antimony Mine
in Karst Area, Southwestern China
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1
College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
2
Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education,
Guiyang 550025, China
Submission date: 2022-10-06
Final revision date: 2022-11-24
Acceptance date: 2022-12-17
Online publication date: 2023-02-09
Publication date: 2023-03-14
Corresponding author
Zhiwei Han
College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2023;32(2):1743-1754
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ABSTRACT
To investigate the heavy metal enrichment mechanisms and release characteristics of typical
deposits in karst areas, the Sb tailing pond of Dachang, Qinglong, Guizhou Province, China, one of the
three largest Sb mines in the word, was selected as the study area. In this study, samples were collected
from tailings (0~120 cm) and analyzed for changes in Sb and As content at different pH values by
simulated acid rain static release experiments, and solid waste materials (fly ash, quicklime, and zeolite
powder) were selected to design an orthogonal test to explore the optimal stabilization effect of Sb and
As. The results showed that the average contents of Sb and As exceeded background values of Guizhou
soil to different degrees. The content of As leaching revealed slight differences in the leachate. Sb was
sensitive to more acidic conditions, and its release content can pose an ecological risk. Further, the best
stabilization effect of Sb and As was observed after adding different ratios of fly ash, quicklime, and
zeolite powder for a period of maintenance, which can be used as promising stabilizing materials for
mine tailings remediation. This study provides comprehensive theoretical support for enhancing source
control and risk management of heavy metals.