Contaminant fluxes from point and diffuse sources from abandoned mines in the River Tamar catchment, UK

摘要: Abstract Acid mine waters have the potential to seriously impair environmental quality of aquatic systems long after mining activities ceased. This detailed study dissolved and particulate metal fluxes from adits, drains streams in River Tamar catchment, southwest England, showed that seven specific sources, 25 adits surveyed, accounted for more than 75% each 13 t a− 1 Fe, 4.3 t Mn, 4.2 t Cu, 3.6 t Zn 1.4 t As we estimated be discharged annually abandoned metalliferous area centred around Calstock Gunnislake. Upstream this area, widespread multi-metallic mineralisation contributed flux As, Co, Cu within Tamar. Simple mass balance calculations indicated a large proportion (≥ 50% most metals) was unaccounted by our survey, therefore is likely an important diffuse component, which subject ongoing investigations. Potential impacts contamination on estuarine environment are discussed. The provided information necessary prioritise monitoring remediation efforts context sustainable catchment management.