Trace elements contamination in an abandoned mining site in a semiarid zone

The distribution of trace elements throughout mining areas is an important issue because abandoned tailings can be a major source of environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to identify the trace element content, hydric dispersion ways and its reception areas in selected zones of the abandoned mining district of Sierra Minera Cartagena-La Unión. The results obtained allowed to establish points affected by primary, secondary and tertiary contamination, according to their proximity to contamination sources, as a function of its chemical and mineralogical composition. Applied GIS methodology allowed visualisation and confirmation of established conceptual model. ► The distribution of trace elements in old mining sites depends on the mineralogy of the parent materials. ► The spreading of trace elements is attenuated by the presence of calcareous materials. ► A suitable statistical treatment allows different contamination degrees to be delimited.