Natural Environmental Effects of Silver-Lead-Zinc Deposits in the Brooks Range, Alaska
http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0092-95/

USGS


This USGS fact sheet presents the results of a study showing significant metal contamination of streams associated with un-mined silver-lead-zinc deposits in the Brooks Range, Alaska. The metal concentrations in some of these waters are toxic to fish and exceed the maximum levels allowed for safe drinking water. When drainage from these deposits enters streams and rivers that are part of the local ecosystems, they constitute a potential hazard to residents and wildlife. This study provides a critical understanding of the environmental effects likely to result from natural weathering of similar deposits in other areas, as well as the potential effects of mining from such deposits.

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Part of the Cutting Edge collection. The NAGT/DLESE On the Cutting Edge project helps geoscience faculty stay up-to-date with both geoscience research and teaching methods.

Cutting Edge

Subject: Geoscience:Geology:Mineralogy:Environmental Mineralogy, Geoscience:Geology:Environmental Geology, Geoscience:Hydrology:Surface Water:Water Quality/Chemistry , Geoscience:Hydrology, Geology:Geochemistry, Biology
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work
Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)
Geochemistry Applications: Environmental Geochemistry
Health Topics: Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, Heavy Metals, Waterborne Transport Processes
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Environmental Geology, Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Teach the Earth:Teaching Topics:WaterKeywords: cadmium, aluminum, chromium, sulfide, water pollution