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    Assessing the ecotoxicity of gold mine tailings utilizing earthworm and microbial assays

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    Date
    2015
    Author
    Van Coller-Myburgh, Charné
    Van Rensburg, Leon
    Maboeta, Mark
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    Abstract
    Problems associated with mining are the disposal of wastes on tailing disposal facilities (TDFs). The aim of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of gold mine tailings by using earthworm bioassays, earthworm biomarkers and enzymatic analyses. End points included changes in biomass, reproduction, lysosomal membrane stability, tissue metal concentrations, and selected enzymatic activities. Results indicated high concentrations of Ni in the material as well as bioaccumulation of lead and arsenic in the earthworm body tissue after exposure. Enzymatic activity was higher in revegetated tailings than in unrehabilitated tailings. It was concluded that TDF and surrounding areas have an acidic pH which affects earthworms and metal bioavailability. Soil enzymatic activities were a sensitive indicator of metal pollution in mining areas. Growth, reproduction and lysosomal membrane stability of earthworms have also been shown to be sensitive end points to assess the ecotoxic effects of gold TDF
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10394/18849
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-015-2492-5
    http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-015-2492-5
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    • Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences [4311]

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