Издатель: A.A.Balkema , Место издания: Rotterdam , Год издания: 1995

The Salair tailings impoundments are a very promising source for nonferrous and precious metals. Sulfide and barite contents in the tailings are high enough and comparable with those in ores. Regular interaction of the tailings solids with draining and superficial waters inevitably causes the oxidation and dissolution of sulfides. Heavy metals inherent in sulfides (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Fe, etc.) transfer to solution and thereafter can produce pollution in the area immediately adjacent to the tailings. Especially significant level of pollution by toxic metals has been found in the bed loads of streams, in soils (horison A and C), and in vegetation (grass, foliage).