Groundbreaking Study Identifies Toxic Threats to Rivers and Floodplains Affecting Millions
In a recent groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Lincoln have unveiled the extensive impact of metal mining contamination on rivers and floodplains worldwide, affecting an estimated 23 million people with potentially dangerous concentrations of toxic waste.
Led by Professors Mark Macklin and Chris Thomas, alongside Dr. Amogh Mudbhatkal, the research sheds light on the environmental and health challenges associated with metal mining activities. The study comprehensively modeled contamination from both active and inactive metal mining sites, including tailings storage facilities, which store mine waste.
Toxic contaminants such as lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic, transported downstream from mining operations, were found to accumulate along river channels and floodplains over extended periods. Professor Mark Macklin highlighted the importance of their research, stating that it provides governments, environmental regulators, the mining industry, and local communities with a tool to assess the offsite and downstream impacts of mining on ecosystems and human health.
The findings reveal that approximately 23.48 million people reside in these affected floodplains, with 5.72 million livestock and over 65,000 square kilometers of irrigated land at risk. These numbers are considered conservative estimates due to a lack of available data for some countries. Interestingly, the number of people exposed to contamination from long-term mining waste discharge into rivers is nearly 50 times greater than those directly affected by tailings dam failures.
Professor Chris Thomas, who led the analysis and modeling, emphasized the importance of sustainable mining in the context of global metal mining’s rapid growth, especially in the transition to green energy. The research provides valuable insights into addressing the legacy of contamination from the industrial era and encourages modern mining to prioritize environmental sustainability. A new applied unit, ‘Water and Planetary Health Analytics,’ has been established within the research center to collaborate with the mining sector in this endeavor.