The Pollution of Source, Pathway, and Downstream of the Pyritic Waste Rock Site—A Case Study

The pyritic waste rock sites are widespread in China and have caused serious environmental problems. To assess the pollution of the pyritic waste rock pile, boreholes were made in one typical pyritic waste rock site in China. The source, pathway, and downstream of the site were investigated with samples of the waste rocks, soil, and groundwater at different depths picked and tested. Concentrations and doses of pollutants of the source, pathway, and downstream of the pyritic waste rock site were analysed. The distribution of pollutants at different depths of the pile and soil was analysed. The pH values from the source to the downstream were compared to show the impact of the pile on the environment. It was found that the pollution of the pyritic waste rock site was serious with high concentrations and doses of Zn and SO42− in soil and groundwater. The areas with shorter piling time showed more acidity in the soil and groundwater. More variable values of pH were found in the source due to the uneven oxidation of the waste rocks.