Edafología. Volumen 7-3. Septiembre 2000. pág 217-225.
ABSTRACT
The intense mining activity along the history in the mining district of Sierra Almagrera-Las Herrerías has generated a very great volume of wastes, as mine tailings and smelting deposited indiscriminately on the aquifer of Valle Bajo and Delta of the Almanzora river. The main focus of contamination are the tailings of El Arteal (more than one million m3) with high contents means of Pb (5.428 ppm), As (265 ppm), Zn (2.200 ppm), Ba (4,9%), Ag (27,5 ppm), etc.
The soils developed on the fluvial materials in they the vicinity of the zones of tailings have high contents of Pb, As, Ba and on time of Zn and Cd in all the horizons like consequence not only of the dispersion of the pollutants but also for the agricultural labors.
The cultivation without control, even on the own tailing, supposes an environmental risk that makes necessary, of immediate form, a behavior guided to the restoration of the same.
Key Words: Contaminated soils. Heavy metals. Mine tailings. Mining activities. Levels guide.