The environmental impact of gold mines in the Yugu-Kwangcheon Au-Ag metallogenic province, Republic of Korea

Abstract

An investigation was made of the degree and extent of heavy metals in tailings, stream waters, sediments, soils and crop plants in the Yugu-Kwangcheon Au-Ag Province, comprising the Gubong, Daebong and Samgwang mines. As a result of mining activity, average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ph and Zn in the stream sediments from the Gubong and Samgwang mine areas are significantly higher than the standard levels. In order to give the sufficient information for an estimate of the hazard potential stored in these geological materials, the use of a pollution index is suggested, and it decreases in order of Gubong > Samgwang > Daebong mine areas. Average concentrations of Cd and Pb in paddy/farm soils in the Gubong area are highest ranging up to 8.2 mu g g(-1) Cd and 192 mu g g(-1) Ph, and Ph concentrations in rice grain and sesame from these soils range up to 0.4 mu g g(-1) and 6.8 mu g g(-1).