Implementación de estrategias de gestión integral para mitigar la generación de aguas acidas en sitios mineros

Abstract

Abstract: Generation of acid waters in mining sites, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), is a serious environmental threat that pollutes streams and impacts ecosystems. This study aims to develop integral management strategies to mitigate acidic water formation by assessing the factors driving their generation. Based on NSF guidelines, the application of the ICA TEST method was conducted at specific site points along the Nambija River to analyze concentrations. Results exhibit a Water Quality Index (WQI) of 36.52 branded as "poor," indicating that alterations are associated with illegal mining activities. Furthermore, high levels of phosphates and nitrates were detected, which contributed to eutrophication. Proposed mitigation measures include the implementation of barriers, lime treatments, and acid neutralization in areas with anomalous values of these contaminants. High turbidity and the presence of total coliforms further corroborate the impact of illegal mining on water quality, posing a health risk to nearby residents whose river represents the only source of surface water for daily activities.