Mining activity and its influence in potatoes and irrigation water from nearby farms

I. Coelho, S. Jesus, I. Delgado, D. Miranda, A. Rego, S. Gueifao, M. Ventura, O. Neves

Abstract

Lithium's importance for electric vehicles and its Critical Raw Material status increased interest in exploring lithium deposits, particularly in Portugal. This study evaluated the C-57 mine's influence on lithium, arsenic, cadmium, thallium and lead levels in irrigation water and potato crops cultivated by the nearby population from farms near (L1) and away from the mine (L2). The results revealed significant differences between L1 and L2 for lithium and arsenic content. L1 presented higher levels of both chemical elements compared to L2. This study highlights the potential impact of active mines rich in lithiniferous resources on the composition of water and potatoes, emphasizing the need for further research.

Keywords

Lithium, mines, potatoes, irrigation water, inorganic contaminants

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IMEKO-TC23-2023-041.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc23-2023.041

IMEKO TC

TC23 - Metrology in Food and Nutrition

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