Understanding the Environmental Impact of a Mine Dam Rupture in Brazil: Prospects for Remediation

摘要: The rupture of the Fundao mine dam in Mariana municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, spilled tailings across Doce River basin. These tailings, composed residues discarded from beneficiation iron ore, are rich SiO and AlO, as well some ether amine compounds NaOH. aim this study was to assess distribution these sediments, their effect on riparian zones reached, compared with preserved sites. Sediment deposition river resulted a morphological change meandering profile braided aspect. nutrient mineral content (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, NO) soil organic matter sediments were depleted, whereas NH, Na, pH increased. A random presence amines confirmed by quantitative chromatographic analyses, concentrations ranging 0 57.8 mg kg; Na reached values high 150 kg. impact biota assessed estimating total microbial biomass (phospholipid fatty acids), which depleted relative soils Overall plant mortality, low resilience capacity, also observed. Ether present had strong toxic environment. Identification substances main factors will help guide future remediation efforts.