The influence effect of simulated rainfall conditions on heavy metal leaching behavior from antimony mine tailings
摘要
The environmental impact of antimony mine tailings is a significant concern due to the potential leaching of heavy metals into surrounding ecosystems. This study investigates the influence of simulated rainfall conditions on the leaching behavior of heavy metals from antimony mine tailings. A 36-h dynamic leaching experiment was conducted under controlled indoor conditions to examine how variations in rainfall intensity and patterns affect leachate composition and heavy metal contamination. The tailings were found to predominantly contain quartz, calcite, gypsum, fluorite, pyrite, stibnite, and manganite. The leachate exhibited low pH, low redox potential (Eh), and high electrical conductivity (Ec), indicative of distinct pollutant characteristics. Heavy metal concentrations in the leachate initially decreased over time before stabilizing. Notably, the leaching of metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and As was more pronounced under lower rainfall intensities, with a peak intensity of 25 mm/h. In contrast, leaching of Sb and Pb was enhanced at higher rainfall intensities (100 mm/h), suggesting different leaching mechanisms for these metals. Additionally, leachate from intermittent rainfall events showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, with Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and As being more significantly affected in the early stages, while Sb and Cu exhibited the opposite trend. The Allometric model effectively predicted the leaching behavior of all studied heavy metals. These results underscore the importance of considering rainfall intensity and pattern in environmental risk assessments and the development of strategies for mitigating pollution from antimony mine tailings.