Blowin’ in the Wind: Mapping the Dispersion of Metal(loid)s From Atacama Mining

Vista sencilla de ítem
dc.contributor.authorZanetta-Colombo, Nicolás, C.
dc.contributor.authorManzano, Carlos A.
dc.contributor.authorBrombierstäudl, Dragmar
dc.contributor.authorFleming, Zoë L.
dc.contributor.authorGayo, Eugenia M.
dc.contributor.authorRubinos, David A.
dc.contributor.authorJerez, Óscar
dc.contributor.authorValdés, Jorge
dc.contributor.authorPrieto, Manuel
dc.contributor.authorNüsser, Marcus
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-03T14:36:21Z
dc.date.available2026-06-03T14:36:21Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractThe Atacama Desert's naturally elevated metal(loid)s pose a unique challenge for assessing the environmental impact of mining, particularly for indigenous communities residing in these areas. This study investigates how copper mining influences the dispersion of these elements in the wind-transportable fraction (<75 mu m) of surface sediments across an 80 km radius. We employed a multi-pronged approach, utilizing spatial modeling to map element distributions, exponential decay analysis to quantify concentration decline with distance, regime shift modeling to identify dispersion pattern variations, and pollution assessment to evaluate impact. Our results reveal significant mining-driven increases in surface concentrations of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and arsenic (As). Notably, within the first 20 km, concentrations peaked at 1,016 mg kg(-1) for Cu, 31 mg kg(-1) for Mo, and a remarkable 165 mg kg(-1) for As. Cu and Mo displayed significant dispersion, extending up to 50 km from the source. However, As exhibited the most extensive reach, traveling up to 70 km downwind, highlighting the far-reaching ecological footprint of mining operations. Mineralogical analyses corroborated these findings, identifying mining-related minerals in surface sediments far beyond the immediate mining area. Although pollution indices based on the proposed Local Geochemical Background reveal significant contamination across the study area, establishing accurate pre-industrial baseline values is essential for a more reliable assessment. This study challenges the concept of "natural pollution" by demonstrating that human activities exacerbate baseline metal(loid)s levels. Expanding monitoring protocols is imperative to comprehensively assess the combined effects of multiple emission sources, including mining and natural processes, in safeguarding environmental and human health for future generations.
dc.description.sponsorshipDeutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) Centro de Investigacion en Tecnologias para la Sociedad C+, Facultad de Ingenieria, UDD Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo de Chile (ANID) through FONDEQUIP Mayor Grant EQY200021 FONDECYT 1221951 Center for Climate and Resilience research (CR)2 ANID/FONDAP/1522A0002), IEB (ANID PIA/BASAL FB210006) Nucleo Milenio Upwell (ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program NCN19_153) Centre of Excellence program, CORFO, 13CEI2-21844 ANID/MILENIO NCS2022_009 ANID/FONDAP 1523A003 Universidad de Tarapacá, UTA Mayor 5829-24
dc.identifier.doi10.1029/2024GH001078
dc.identifier.issnISSN-24711403
dc.identifier.urihttps://repositorioabierto.uantof.cl/handle/uantof/715
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAdvancing Earth and Space Sciences
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.sourceGeoHealth
dc.titleBlowin’ in the Wind: Mapping the Dispersion of Metal(loid)s From Atacama Mining
dc.typeArticle
oaire.citation.volume8
organization.identifier.rorhttps://ror.org/04eyc6d95
organization.legalNameUniversidad de Antofagasta
uantof.identificator.facultyFacultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos
uantof.identificator.instituteInstituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt
Archivos
Bloque original
Mostrando 1 - 1 de 1
Miniatura
Nombre:
GeoHealth - 2024 - Zanetta‐Colombo - Blowin in the Wind Mapping the Dispersion of Metal loid s From Atacama Mining.pdf
Tamaño:
4.19 MB
Formato:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Descargar
Bloque de licencias
Mostrando 1 - 1 de 1
No hay miniatura disponible
Nombre:
license.txt
Tamaño:
1.71 KB
Formato:
Item-specific license agreed to upon submission
Descripción:
Descargar
Colecciones
Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt