Document Type : Review Paper
Authors
1
Department of Environment, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
2
Graduate of Department of Environment, School of Natural Resources and Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
3
Graduate of department of Environment, School of Natural Resources and Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
4
Department of Environment, School of Natural Resources and Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
5
6Department of Environment, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
6
Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
10.22059/poll.2026.411433.3298
Abstract
Lead-zinc mining supports national economies but generates soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This review synthesizes published evidence from Iranian lead-zinc regions, examines contamination trends, and discusses the remediation techniques employed. Across the reviewed Iranian studies, soils adjacent to mining operations commonly showed elevated Pb, Zn, and Cd, whereas As and Cu were reported less consistently and generally formed more localized hotspots that decreased with distance from source areas. Two principal transport mechanisms were prevalent: the wind-driven movement of fine tailings dust and the drainage from tailings and waste rock. These were influenced by the surrounding geology, with carbonate settings mitigating acidity but not reducing metal concentrations, while sulfide or shale environments promoted acid mine drainage and increased mobility. Four classes of remediation have been investigated. Among the remediation approaches reported in the reviewed literature, phytoremediation is predominantly utilized, with results frequently supporting phytostabilization using resilient native plants; however, genuine phytoextraction occurred rarely and is adapted to specific locations. Incorporating biochar (at approximately 1-3% w/w) reduced the mobility and bioavailability of of Pb, Zn, and Cd. Electrokinetic remediation was effective for fine-grained, saturated hotspots when electrolyte chemistry and pH fronts were controlled (e.g., citric-acid) and was best integrated into a treatment train. Biomineralization showed potential in calcareous settings, with laboratory evidence for carbonate co-precipitation/incorporation of Pb-Zn-Cd but still requires field validation and ammonium management. By matching treatments to site geochemistry and using standardized performance metrics, lead-zinc mine soils can be managed from hotspot control to durable, monitored risk reduction.
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