ABSTRACT
The results of an experimental leaching of As-containing tailings of former plant “Tuvacobalt” (Russia) have been presented. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for dissolved-metal migration in carbonate-rich tailings impoundment to be able to forecast their pollution effect. Three types of leachates were used as the modeling natural and technological waters: distilled water, acid nitrate solution and alkaline solutions of NH4OH and NH4HCO3. The mobility of heavy metals is negligible in comparison with As and may be assumed as conservative. The arsenic concentration reach up 10–12 mg/l in the water, 16 mg/l in buffered by carbonates primary acid solution, up to 43 mg/l in NH4HCO3 and up to 84 mg/l in strong ammoniac one.
