Observation of the level of contamination in the sediments of Canal Caveira (Grândola): A critical case of Acid Mine Drainage

Abstract

Following the present work inserted in the GeoMatRe Project, an ongoing project funded by Fundação La Caixa, the conditions of the most updated physical and chemical parameters of an Acid Mine Drainage are analysed, a critical situation which occurs in the mining area of Canal Caveira (Grândola, Portugal), abandoned since the 60’s. It is intended, within the scope of the project, to observe the conditions of contamination by heavy metals in the sediments, both dissolved and suspended forms in the water column, in order to carry out a general characterization of the mining system, based on the nature and amounts of the contaminating elements, as well as the conditions of acidification occurring in the environment that surrounds the mining area. The aim is to understand, based on the existing conditions, the best environmental remediation technology to be applied in the region.