Heavy metal pollution in mine-soil-plant system in S. Francisco de Assis - Panasqueira mine (Portugal)

摘要: Abstract The active Panasqueira mine is a tin–tungsten (Sn–W) mineralization hosted by metasediments with quartz veins rich in ferberite. economic exploitation has been focused on wolframite, cassiterite and chalcopyrite. also comprises several sulphides, carbonates silver sulphosalts. mining beneficiation processes produces arsenic-rich wastes laid up huge tailings open air impoundments that are the main source of pollution surrounding area, once oxidation sulphides can result mobilization migration trace metals/metalloids from into environment, releasing contaminants ecosystem. A geochemical survey was undertaken, order to investigate environmental contamination impact agricultural residential soils S. Francisco de Assis village due activities. Rhizosphere samples, vegetables ( Solanum tubersum sava Brassica oleracea L.) which constitute an important part local human diet), irrigation waters road dusts were collected private residences village. According Ontario guidelines Ministry Environment, 2011 ), Arsenic contents rhizosphere exceed 20 times reference value for (11 mg kg −1 ). obtained showed some edible plants frequently used region could be enriched these may represent serious hazard if consumed. potatoes tend have preferential accumulation leaves roots while cabbages most elements roots. An index risk residents, ingesting metals/metalloids, consuming grown around sampling calculated indicates inhabitants probably exposed potential health risks through intake arsenic, cadmium lead via their vegetables.