Metal release and mobility in an arctic lake due to artificial drainage : Effects of mining and sulfide oxidation

The aim of this report was to investigate the potential effects of sulfide oxidation in sediments of an arctic lake, N Luossajärvi, induced by lowered water level. Lake water, potentially contaminated by metals, was pumped into a mine tailings impoundment. The water quality in the receiving water was evaluated to see if the drainage have had an effect on the water quality. Six sediment profiles were sampled. Each profile were divided into 5 cm sections and analyzed for major elements and trace metals. Water chemistry were analyzed at six sites. As, Ni and Cu had high concentrations within undrained sediments, where As levels were classified as highly contaminated (> 27 mg kg-1 dw). Trace metals had strong statistical correlation to each other indicating a common source. The PCA analyzes performed suggests that trace metals are controlled by a common factor and drained sediments showed two additional factors controlling the variance of metals. Water chemistry had overall good status, but As, Cd, Ni and Cu exceeded natural background values. Historical data on the other hand showed no statistical difference from measured values. No effects on water quality could therefore be seen after draining of the lake, proposing high precipitation of metals within the tailing or that metals is still prevailing in the drained sediments. Metal mobility were seen within the drained sediments, where only As and Cd were presumed connected to chemical weathering and where erosion and soil properties seems to be responsible for most metal mobility