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Effects of acid mine drainage on groundwater quality: a case study from an open-pit copper mine in eastern Turkey

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Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the variation in groundwater quality of an open-pit copper mine in Maden (eastern Turkey) which has been in operation since 2000 BC, and with modern methods since 1939. Physical and chemical parameters (including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO3, SO4, NO3, Fe, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Cd, and Pb) of the groundwater and spring water samples from the study area were measured on a seasonal basis between October 2009 and July 2010. The groundwater quality was hydrochemically assessed in order to determine its suitability for human consumption and agricultural use. The measured and analyzed parameters in all the water samples were below the maximum admissible concentrations set out in international and national standards, guidelines, directives, and regulations for human consumption and for agricultural purposes. In addition, the results of previous studies on the possible effects of the mine site on soil, stream sediment, plants, and surface water in the same area are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Scientific Research Projects Committee of Harran University (HÜBAK) under Grant No. 2009-081. The authors would like to thank Deniz Ucar, Nisa Kasar, and Omer Kotan for their assistance in the field and the laboratory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Harran University, Osmanbey Campus, 63190, Şanlıurfa, Turkey

    M. Irfan Yesilnacar & Zekiye Kadiragagil

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  1. M. Irfan Yesilnacar
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  2. Zekiye Kadiragagil
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Correspondence to M. Irfan Yesilnacar.

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Yesilnacar, M.I., Kadiragagil, Z. Effects of acid mine drainage on groundwater quality: a case study from an open-pit copper mine in eastern Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Environ 72, 485–493 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-013-0512-5

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