The investigation of nitrate contamination in the ground water of a chrome mine in the Kroondal area, South Africa

[摘要] Although naturally occurring in groundwater, nitrate presence is generally attributed and regarded as a contaminant. Elevated nitrate levels pose a threat once converted to nitrite, causing methaemoglobinaemia. This investigation serves to establish the origin, quantify the extent, distribution, and elucidate possible amelioration methods of nitrate in ground and surface waters of a chrome mine in Kroondal, South Africa. Already existing surface water and borehole (groundwater) points were sampled and monitored from 2011 to 2012. An independant sample collection was conducted twice during the year of 2012. ICP and isotope (hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen) analysis were employed to see nitrate level behaviour. In 2011 and 2012, nitrate level elevations varied from acceptable to unacceptable, with maximums of up to 81.51 mg/l in both ground and surface waters (well above the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry domestic requirements of 10 mg/l). Hydrofacies plots attribute water chemistry to: calcium/magnesium bicarbonate, opencast mine, low sodium high salt and unpolluted waters. Domination in Mg cations occurs as would be expected within Bushveld Igneous Complex aquifers. This is a result of the abundance within mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks. Increased Nitrate concentrations in surface waters are suspected to be primarily a result of runoff from waste rock dumps, high in nitrate explosive residues. In groundwater, increased concentrations are suspected to be primarily a result of high nitrate concentrations in explosive residues from underground blasting, highly mobilised once in contact with water. A secondary cause is seepage from the tailings dam, waste rock, as well as from surface water, high in nitrate concentrations. Possible remediation strategies identified include Reverse Osmosis, Eco-Dosing and Biological De-Nitrification.

[发布机构] University of the Free State