Document Details

Document Type : Article In Journal 
Document Title :
Phosphate Mining Wastes at Abu Tartur Mine Area, Western Desert of Egypt
مخلفات مناجم الفوسفات بمنجم أبو طرطور بالصحراء الغربية لمصر
 
Subject : Enviromental sciences 
Document Language : English 
Abstract : Solid and liquid wastes associated with the phosphate mining and beneficiation activities at Abu Tartur phosphate mine were collected from the tailing pond. Characterization methods were used to assess the physical and chemical properties that may impose environmental and/or human health risks. The hydraulic conductivity of the sampled slurry can be described as slow to extremely slow, therefore the potential of groundwater contamination by seepage from tailing ponds containing appreciable amount of clays is over estimated. Plasticity Characteristics of the collected slurry show wide variation in the plasticity index and reflect a significant volume change characteristic to "Fat" or plastic clays. The measured cation exchange capacity (CEC) is moderately high and reflects the abundance of clay minerals, probably illite or montmorillonite. The values of P2O5 in the waste slurry range from 21.99 % to 24.27% which makes the idea of reproduction of phosphate from the waste slurry attractive. Generally the tailing sediments have higher silica, alumina, K2O, and MgO, and lower P2O5 and Na2O/K2O than the original ore. As to trace elements, they are generally rich in Zr, Li, Zn, Cd, and Ba while depleted in As, Nb, Mo, and Ni compared to the original fresh ore. The REE pattern of both the original ore and the wastes is generally similar except for a distinct trough at Eu that distinguishes the original ore from the slurry waste. The adverse environmental impacts and human health risks associated with phosphate mining wastes are discussed. Mitigation measures to reduce these impacts are also suggested. 
ISSN : 1991-8178 
Journal Name : Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 
Volume : 10 
Issue Number : 6 
Publishing Year : 1433 AH
2012 AD 
Article Type : Article 
Added Date : Sunday, June 2, 2013 

Researchers

Researcher Name (Arabic)Researcher Name (English)Researcher TypeDr GradeEmail
أشرف المغربيEl Maghraby, Ashraf InvestigatorDoctorateashraf_elmaghraby@yahoo.com.au

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 35594.pdf pdfPhosphate Mining Wastes at Abu Tartur Mine Area, Western Desert of Egypt

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