Anthropogenic Metal Content and Natural Background of Overbank Sediments from the Mining District of Guanajuato, Mexico

Research reveals that overbank sediments in the Guanajuato River, Mexico, exhibit significant metal contamination, with moderate to strong levels of Cu, Zn, Sb, and Pb linked to historical mine tailings discharges. The study established geochemical background values using direct and indirect methods, showing natural anomalies for elements like Cu, Cs, and Pb that exceed crustal levels due to mineral deposits in the region. Ni and Cr were attributed to ultramafic rocks, while contamination was confirmed by the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). These findings highlight the potential threat of anthropogenic metals stored in the fluvial plain as a pollutant source for downstream waters in the Lerma-Santiago basin.

Miranda-Avilés, R., Puy-Alquiza, M. J., & Pérez Arvizu, O. (2012). Anthropogenic Metal Content and Natural Background of Overbank Sediments from the Mining District of Guanajuato, Mexico. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 21(5), 604–624. https://doi.org/10.1080/15320383.2012.672488