Modeling long-term contamination in river systems from historical metal mining

Research Article| May 01, 2003 Modeling long-term contamination in river systems from historical metal mining Tom J. Coulthard; Tom J. Coulthard 1 Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark G. Macklin Mark G. Macklin 1 Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Tom J. Coulthard 1 Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, UK Mark G. Macklin 1 Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DB, UK Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 02 Dec 2002 Revision Received: 28 Jan 2003 Accepted: 29 Jan 2003 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2003) 31 (5): 451–454. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2003)0312.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 02 Dec 2002 Revision Received: 28 Jan 2003 Accepted: 29 Jan 2003 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Tom J. Coulthard, Mark G. Macklin; Modeling long-term contamination in river systems from historical metal mining. Geology 2003;; 31 (5): 451–454. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2003)0312.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Heavy-metal contamination of sediments within river systems is a major environmental problem around the world. Deposited as a by-product of metal mining, contaminated sediments are persistent and widespread, frequently affecting large areas of floodplains, which makes precise assessments of contamination levels and patterns difficult. This paper describes findings from a new, generic, catchment sediment model called TRACER, which uses historical mining records to accurately predict present-day and future levels and patterns of contamination. This model provides detailed views of the extent of contamination and demonstrates how contaminated sediments form into "hot spots," which in turn become secondary sources of pollution. The exceptional longevity of the contamination is also revealed; >70% of the deposited contaminants remain within the river system for >200 yr after mine closure. Simulations of the impact of future climate changes in northern England show that increased flood magnitudes are likely to decrease surface contamination through dilution by cleaner sediment from hillslopes unaffected by mining activity. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.