Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The Influence of Phosphate Mining on the Chemical Composition of Annual Atmospheric Deposition in Catalao (GO) and Tapira (MG), Brazil

Full text
Author(s):
da Conceicao, Fabiano Tomazini [1, 2] ; Litholdo, Taise [1] ; Sardinha, Diego de Souza [3] ; Moruzzi, Rodrigo Braga [1] ; Beltran Navarro, Guillermo Rafael [1] ; Godoy, Leticia Hirata [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] UNESP, IGCE, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[2] Ave 24-A, 1515, BR-13506900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] UNIFAL Univ Fed Alfenas, Inst Ciencia & Tecnol, Pocos De Caldas, MG - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION; v. 227, n. 3 MAR 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Brazil is an important country within the global mineral industry. The main reserves of phosphate rock in Brazil are contained in the states of Goias and Minas Gerais, at the Catalao and Tapira cities, respectively. Atmospheric inputs due to the mining of phosphate rock may have various effects on human health in areas near these types of mines. Thus, this work evaluated the influence of phosphate mining on the chemical composition and annual atmospheric deposition in Catalao (GO) and Tapira (MG), Brazil. The pH of rainwater was 6.90 in Catalao and 6.80 in Tapira. The ionic concentrations (in mu eq/L) at both study sites decreased in the following order: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ for cations and HCO3- > NO3- > SO42- > PO43- > F- > Cl- for anions. High Ca2+ content indicates that Ca2+ contributes to the neutralisation of the rainwater pH in both of the areas studied. The annual atmospheric deposition of NO3- and SO42- can be attributed to the use of diesel-powered trucks in and around mining areas. Soil dust derived is responsible for the annual atmospheric deposition of Na+ and K+. Phosphate mining activities are the main source of the annual atmospheric deposition of PO43- and F-. (AU)