Impact of iron ore mining: Comparison of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in upstream and downstream sites of a river.

Dr.Nandini Vaz Fernandes

Volume : IV, Issue : VII, July - 2015

Impact of iron ore mining: Comparison of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in upstream and downstream sites of a river.

Dr. Nandini Vaz Fernandes

Abstract :

Mining activity in Goa has created a degraded environment and is a matter of great concern. Damage to the environment is mainly done by the reject dumps, pumping out of muddy waters and slimes from the beneficiation plant. The present study was designed to determine the physicochemical parameter status along the river in shigao–kalay area in South Goa, where iron ore mines are concentrated. Upstream site of the river was taken as a measure of uncontaminated site as compared to down stream site which had influx of mining effluents from the surrounding mines. Water samples were collected from both sites and evaluated for physicochemical parameters. The water in the uncontaminated upstream region was cooler, more clear and rich in oxygen as compared to downstream region. The downstream region showed higher concentration of sulphates, increased turbidity, temperature and decreased pH. Heavy metal analyses of the water samples from both the sites showed contamination of downstream site with iron, manganese and zinc, indicating the impact of degradation of water quality due to influx of mining effluents. Examination of the fishes from the upstream and downstream region revealed decrease in the body weight of the fishes in the downstream site as compared to the upstream site.