Evaluation of the Environmental Risk of Contaminated Materials in the Alluvial Plain of a Metallurgical Unit

Abstract

Anthropogenic occurrence of metals in a natural environment is mainly related to the existence and functioning of industrial activities. The Três Marias metallurgical unit of Votorantim Metais S.A., located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, has been producing zinc alloys since the late 1960's. Its operation has caused several environmental impacts in its surroundings, namely soils, sediments and water quality. The geochemical characterization of this area revealed a high contamination in heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc) and arsenic, above the critical levels, most of which having high bioavailability. This study aims to evaluate and discuss the extent of contamination in the alluvial plain of Consciência waterway, a tributary of the São Francisco river, through geochemical analysis of the sediments and water column, in order to evaluate the most appropriate environmental remediation technique(s) to Implement in the area