Heavy metal dispersion patterns from tailings dumps, Northampton District, Western Australia

Dispersion of heavy metals into drainage systems of the Chapman, Bowes and Murchison Rivers occurs as a result of sediment transport and leaching from tailings dumps in the Northampton Mineral District, Western Australia. Anomalous heavy metal values occur in stream sediments up to 20 km from their...

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Published inEnvironmental pollution. Series B. Chemical and physical Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 33 - 49
Main Authors Mann, A.W., Lintern, M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 1983
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Summary:Dispersion of heavy metals into drainage systems of the Chapman, Bowes and Murchison Rivers occurs as a result of sediment transport and leaching from tailings dumps in the Northampton Mineral District, Western Australia. Anomalous heavy metal values occur in stream sediments up to 20 km from their source. Lead shows the most widespread distribution and concentrations in excess of 1000 μg litre −1 Pb occur in stream water close to contaminant sources. Development of acidity is restricted because of the high pH (7·0–9·0) of natural groundwaters in the region, and the predominance of sulphides of lead and zinc over those containing iron.
ISSN:0143-148X
DOI:10.1016/0143-148X(83)90028-9