Extractive waste management: A risk analysis approach

Mehta, N; Dino, GA; Ajmone-Marsan, F; Lasagna, M; Romè, C; De Luca, DA

HERO ID

4242075

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2018

Language

English

PMID

29227941

HERO ID 4242075
In Press No
Year 2018
Title Extractive waste management: A risk analysis approach
Authors Mehta, N; Dino, GA; Ajmone-Marsan, F; Lasagna, M; Romè, C; De Luca, DA
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 622-623
Page Numbers 900-912
Abstract Abandoned mine sites continue to present serious environmental hazards because the heavy metals associated with extractive waste are continuously released into the environment, where they threaten human life and the environment. Remediating and securing extractive waste are complex, lengthy and costly processes. Thus, in most European countries, a site is considered for intervention when it poses a risk to human health and the surrounding environment. As a consequence, risk analysis presents a viable decisional approach towards the management of extractive waste. To evaluate the effects posed by extractive waste to human health and groundwater, a risk analysis approach was used for an abandoned nickel extraction site in Campello Monti in North Italy. This site is located in the Southern Italian Alps. The area consists of large and voluminous mafic rocks intruded by mantle peridotite. The mining activities in this area have generated extractive waste. A risk analysis of the site was performed using Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA) guidelines, considering the properties of extractive waste and water for the properties of environmental matrices. The results showed the presence of carcinogenic risk due to arsenic and risks to groundwater due to nickel. The results of the risk analysis form a basic understanding of the current situation at the site, which is affected by extractive waste.
Doi 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.260
Pmid 29227941
Wosid WOS:000426349000093
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English