wAbstract
@Mining heaps are used as archives for the investigation of weathering
processes. Aim of this work was to investigate the different weathering
behavior of heap materials derived from Kupferschiefer mining
with respect to environmental hazard. For this purpose, Kupferschiefer
and slag material of two heaps of different age were examined
regarding to the radionuclide distribution and geochemical composition.
By measuring of the local dose rate, performing digital autoradiography
and gamma spectrometry the radiological load of the heaps and
the heap materials was determined. The geochemical characterization
of the samples was performed by XRF, ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The results
show a clear higher radionuclide load of the younger slag heap.
A depletion of chalcophile and lithophile elements in the older
slag was determined. Apart from a homogeneous radionuclide distribution,
considerable radionuclide enrichments in fossil fragments could
be proven. The results reveal a different weathering behavior
of slag material in comparison to the Kupferschiefer depending
on the chemical binding of the elements on organic and inorganic
species. Natural organic matter as well as apatite in Kupferschiefer
act as retention barrier for some metals.
Keywords: Kupferschiefer; Mining; Radionuclides; Heavy metals;
Weatheringx
Introduction
Study site
Materials and methods
Results and discussion
Conclusion
References