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Assessing the Ecotoxicity of Gold Mine Tailings Utilizing Earthworm and Microbial Assays

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Abstract

Problems associated with mining are the disposal of wastes on tailing disposal facilities (TDFs). The aim of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of gold mine tailings by using earthworm bioassays, earthworm biomarkers and enzymatic analyses. End points included changes in biomass, reproduction, lysosomal membrane stability, tissue metal concentrations, and selected enzymatic activities. Results indicated high concentrations of Ni in the material as well as bioaccumulation of lead and arsenic in the earthworm body tissue after exposure. Enzymatic activity was higher in revegetated tailings than in unrehabilitated tailings. It was concluded that TDF and surrounding areas have an acidic pH which affects earthworms and metal bioavailability. Soil enzymatic activities were a sensitive indicator of metal pollution in mining areas. Growth, reproduction and lysosomal membrane stability of earthworms have also been shown to be sensitive end points to assess the ecotoxic effects of gold TDF.

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Acknowledgments

This work is based upon the research supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. We thank Pieter Hermanus Myburgh for his assistance.

Compliance with Ethical Standards

We hereby declare that the research has no possible conflicts of interest and that the animals (earthworms) used in this study were done according to ethical compliant standards.

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  1. Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Charné van Coller-Myburgh, Leon van Rensburg & Mark Maboeta

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  1. Charné van Coller-Myburgh
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  2. Leon van Rensburg
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  3. Mark Maboeta
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Correspondence to Mark Maboeta.

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Capsule abstract

Soil enzymatic activities are sensitive indicators of metal pollution in mining areas. Earthworms can be used to assess the ecotoxic effects of gold tailing disposal facilities.

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van Coller-Myburgh, C., van Rensburg, L. & Maboeta, M. Assessing the Ecotoxicity of Gold Mine Tailings Utilizing Earthworm and Microbial Assays. Water Air Soil Pollut 226, 218 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-015-2492-5

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