I'm currently working on heavy metal concentration among water samples within a Barite mine area. From the results of the analysis, the order of dominance of heavy metals are Mn > Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Ba. The dominant lithology of the area is shale and sandstone units. However, the shale unit plays host to the mineralization. Galena and sphalerite are the major minerals found to occur in association with Barite mineralization in the area. So I want to know why Mn appears to be of higher concentration among the water samples.
Your inputs would be highly appreciated. Thanks
A possible source of Mn in water samples from a lead-zinc-barite mining area could be
calcite (Var: Manganese-bearing Calcite) (Ca,Mn)CO3 in host rock.
Calcite is relatively easily soluble in water.
One of the factors controlling the adsorption and retention of trace metals in the sediment is the size of the particles, and the bonding to the colloidal fraction is recognized, mainly due to the high density of negative charge and surface area. Among the sources directly related to the Mn sources in the samples in a Mining area we can mention Lead and Zinc in water and sediments of mining and metallurgy area.
The use of lead in water and sediment samples due to the low solubility of the compounds present in soils and sediments, most of the Pb is retained in these compartments and consequently a low concentration is transported in surface or groundwater.
Many thanks Guenta Grunmann. Your input was helpful. However I was hoping you could refer me to some published articles. Thanks once again for your contribution.
The origin of manganese has generally a type of contradiction. Some consider manganese is magmatic in origin (hydrothermal solution) and others consider marine sedimentary (as a result of karstification process). In the case of your study, the origin of the hydrothermal solution is the most considered and supported by the presence of sphalerite and galena minerals. The absence of limestone in your case cancels the second probability.
Manganese is very abundant and distributed in the earth's crust in association with ores of iron. The major ores of manganese are pyrolusite (MnO2), hausmannite (Mn3O4) and manganite (MnO(OH)). Manganese is an essential trace element found naturally in lakes, rivers, and drinking water supply. Mining operation elevates the concentrations of manganese and iron in the environment, especially in the surface water. Though not a priority pollutant, high manganese concentration in the environment may become a threat to humans and aquatic organisms.
This paper explains the geochemistry and different sources of Mn for Mn-bearing Minerals. It is very important for you and has valuable information.
Many thanks Masoud for your contributions. It was very insightful.
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