Abstract

Arsenic and antimony are metalloids that exhibit similar geochemical behavior and are often found in the same mineral associations, co-occurring in mine waste derived from ore exploitation. Due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health, techniques to limit their release into the environment from mine wastes and the consequent pollution of surrounding areas are of great interest. This review addresses the geochemical behavior of these two metalloids in mining environments and presents an overview of the main strategies used to stabilize or encapsulate As- or Sb-bearing mine waste, highlighting and comparing their shortcomings and advantages. Several approaches have been investigated, including the 1) establishment of surface covers, 2) application of amendments, 3) solidification using cementing or geopolymer, and 4) application of protecting coatings. Several of these methods have exhibited potential for treating As mine waste. However, the weathering state, composition, and final fate of wastes are determining factors affecting treatment effectiveness. Regarding Sb mine waste, only cementation processes have shown some good performance. Further research effort is required to develop effective passivating coatings or stabilization methods to treat these mine wastes.

摘要

砷和锑是具有相似地球化学行为的准金属，通常存在于相同的矿物组合中，同时存在于矿石开采产生的矿山废物中。由于它们对生态系统和人类健康的不利影响，限制它们从矿山废物中释放到环境中以及随之而来的对周围地区的污染的技术引起了人们的极大兴趣。本综述探讨了这两种金属在采矿环境中的地球化学行为，并概述了用于稳定或封装含 As 或 Sb 矿山废物的主要策略，突出并比较了它们的缺点和优势。已经研究了几种方法，包括 1) 建立地表覆盖层，2) 应用修正剂，3) 使用胶结剂或地质聚合物进行固化，4) 保护涂层的应用。其中几种方法已显示出处理砷矿废料的潜力。然而，废物的风化状态、成分和最终归宿是影响处理效果的决定性因素。关于锑矿废料，只有固井工艺表现出一些良好的性能。需要进一步的研究工作来开发有效的钝化涂层或稳定方法来处理这些矿山废物。